Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (17th July, 2018) on the
Gospel
Is 7:1-9;
Ps 47:2-8. (R. v.9);
Matt 11:20-24.
Topic: The essence of miracles.
Searching for miracles through various means is something very
common. The spiritual probity of those performing or through whom these
miracles are performed is often not considered. Some are ready to betray their faith
for the sake of miracles. One therefore wonders if miracles have any spiritual
benefit.
In the book of Exodus, the angel of the Lord appeared to
Moses in a flame of fire out of the bush to bring him closer to God, cf. Ex 3:2-4. And to confirm the authenticity
of Moses as His servant, God gave him power to perform miracles, cf. Ex 4:1-9. God also gave Gideon signs
that He would deliver Israel through him, cf. Judg 6:36-40. When Jesus raised Lazarus, many of the Jews who came
with Mary believed in Him, cf. Jn 11:45.
Again Jesus said to the Jews, “...even though you do not believe me, believe
the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am
in the Father” (Jn 10:38).
Genuine miracles ought to bring people closer to God. Hence,
in today’s gospel, Jesus “... began to reproach the cities in which most of his
deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent.”
Count God’s blessings in your life. To what extent have they
brought you closer to God if however you recognised them as miracles? Nevertheless,
miracles are not proof of moral probity, cf. Matt 7:22-23. Look for the God of miracles rather than the miracles
of God. One may experience many miracles without coming any close to
repentance, cf. Lk 16:27-31. What will
save us is repentance not miracles, cf. Matt
7:21-23.
Bible Reading: 1Cor 1:18-28; Matt 7:21-23.
Thought for today: ...repent, and believe in the gospel (Mk 1:15).
Let us pray: Lord, help us know you better
through your works – Amen.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
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