Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
When I read about the miracles that occur throughout the Bible, I wonder why there is so little recognition of miracles in today’s world. If we understand that a miracle is “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs” then shouldn’t there be many occasions to witness God’s presence in our lives? Today’s readings suggest reasons why we may not notice the miracles that occur in our world, and how we can be more attentive to God’s amazing work in the world around us.
The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of God creating the world. From the “formless wasteland” God brings forth light and darkness, earth and sky, and the sun and moon. And “God saw how good it was.”(Genesis 1: 18) God’s divine intervention is present in all that He creates. As I look at the snow falling, each snowflake is uniquely created. Even more inexplicable is the complexity and diversity of our humanity- each one of us is unique and each of our bodies so amazingly complex. Although science and technology has provided us much understanding about the world, nature, and medicine, there still exists “mysteries” beyond which we cannot understand how or why things happen the way that they do. This is where we need to turn to God and marvel at the wonder of His creation. If we recognize God’s amazing touch in all of the world around us, doesn’t that mean that in fact we witness miracles every day? Whether it is the changes of the seasons, the stars in the heaven, or the birth of a baby- God is there. Our challenge is to open our eyes to see His presence- and be in awe of his extraordinary creation.
In today’s gospel reading, we hear about the many healings that Jesus performed as part of His ministry. People “scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick.” (Mark 6: 55) They “begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak.” (Mark 6: 56) The people recognized Jesus power to heal and their great faith allowed healing to occur- “as many as touched it were healed”. (Mark 6:56) There are several times in the gospels where Jesus explains that He is unable to perform healings or great works because of the people’s lack of faith. Jesus offers healing to all, but only those who believe will be able to receive His grace.
Today we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858, Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France. The Blessed Virgin’s message to Bernadette was one of a deeper call to renewal of faith in Jesus through prayer. Through the intercession of Mary, the shrine at Lourdes has been a place of many healings. Mary calls us to a deeper trust and faith in Her Son, Jesus. When we come to Jesus and believe in His mercy, we can be healed like the many people who touched his tassel in today’s reading.
Our son had leukemia when he was 10, but now is healthy and is studying to be a doctor. Do I believe that this is a miracle? Absolutely! I believe that the doctors and medicines were instrumental in his cure, but it was God’s healing grace that brought him to wholeness. Sometimes I wonder how many other miracles have been a part of my life or are happening even now, and yet I do not recognize them because I am blind to God’s work, and I lack faith in His power. In order to witness the many miracles in our midst, we must see the world with eyes that our open to God’s presence, and hearts that are open and filled with faith in His love and mercy.
Heavenly Father, the wonder of your creation is all around us. Your love is revealed to us not only in the world that we live in, but most especially through the gift of your Son. Through the intercession of Mary, we pray that you send down your Holy Spirit. May we have eyes to see and hearts full of faith, so that we may recognize the many miracles that occur in our daily lives. May we be grateful for all your blessings, and give you praise and glory for your mercy and love. We pray this through Christ our Lord. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline