For Esther on Her Birthday

A reflection on the Scripture readings
of the Roman Catholic liturgy
  for Monday, 4th Week of Lent, 2010.

The Prophet Isaiah 65:17-21
"Be glad forever and rejoice in what I create."

The Gospel of John 4:43-54
"Jesus went back to Cana of Galilee."

Lord Christ, 

 God of new,

of joy and creation.

 I praise you today
for one of your best,

my wife
my friend
and
partner,

on her birthday.

 You have blessed me

by sending her

to share my journey

through the second half of life.
 Grant us health

and length of days.

Can it be coincidence 

that today John

invites us with you 

back to Cana,

where you blessed two lovers

with abundance
of mirth-enhancing wine?

Happenstance,

that on this Lenten day

Isaiah sings in praise 
of newness and creation, 

of joy and rejoicing?

I think not.

On my daughters' behalf,

I thank you

for such a model 

of wisdom and virtue!

And grant to me 

that elusive third sight,

to see among
the miracles of life and love

your presence
even here, even now.

Amen.