Miracles are God’s way of letting us know He exists. This Sunday’s gospel talked about Jesus’ first miracle during the wedding at Cana, where He made water into wine. The passaged compelled me to share what our parish priest shared in his sermon and what it meant to me.

First and foremost, I am happy to say the parish priest at the church I’m attending is Fr. Domingo Bongalos, a Filipino. What Fr. Domingo said during his sermon made me realize, indeed, miracles are present to help us in life. He said there are two kinds of wine: man-made wine and God-made wine. The man-made wine is everything about us; our goals, plans, jobs, resources, and everything else created as humans. Meanwhile, God-made wine is the miracle that happens due to divine intervention.

Just like the wedding at Cana, where Jesus intervened after the man-made wine ran out, God also intervenes in our lives when we are placed in situations that may seem hopeless. The wine, in Jesus’ time, was considered a very important aspect in the society, Fr. Domingo said. Wine represented status in the society and, if someone ran out of wine, it would be considered an utter embarrassment. In the same way, personal plans, accomplishments, ambitions, and everything else regarded in our mortal lives are also a trademark of the society we live in – once we fail, most people will judge us (most will judge us pretty hard).

However, before it becomes too hard for us to handle and our resources are depleted, God always intervenes and makes it better. Just like what Jesus did after Mary informed him of the wine situation, He never hesitated and made His marvelous work, turning simple water into great wine – a God-made wine – and far better than the wine they had initially served.

Looking back at my own experiences, I realized God has provided me with His divine wine several times.

He had been generous with me every time I was lost and needed something done in my life. Many of us have had our fair share of challenges and trials, which we thought we wouldn’t be able to handle; however, at the last moment, when we were about to give up, God helped us find a solution to our problems.

I’ve experienced it several times.

When I needed financial assistance, money would come my way at the last minute – either from an unexpected source, like a person paying his debt, or someone who would offer me a loan.

When I needed someone to talk to, God sends me the right friend to share my troubles with.

When I was about to give up on life due to my personal issues and depression, God gave me an opportunity to live a brand new life. When one door closes, it is for certain a lot of other doors will open to reveal a bigger and brighter tomorrow.

All these wonderful things I considered as my God-made wine; carefully-crafted and wonderfully made over the years. I believe there is a purpose for every hardship and struggle faced in everyday life but I believe the most in God’s perfect time; wherein, He will let us have a taste of His divine wine to quench our thirst and provide us with the life that we so rightfully deserve.

Don’t lose hope. Your sacred wine is still being crafted, as the saying goes, “The older the grapes, sweeter the wine.”

And to God, this I pray, that may You be generous to others as You have been generous to me. Amen./WDJ