Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr
When reading many of the gospel passages, I often wonder what it would be like to be present for the many signs and miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry. And yet if we believe that Christ is risen and alive with us today, we should have the same opportunity to witness His power among us. God’s love and power is not any less alive than it was when Jesus walked the earth almost 2000 years ago. If we look, we can find Christ in many parts of our lives, and if we allow Him to work in us and through us, then His miracles can continue to occur.
In today’s scripture, Jesus has just fed the five thousand and then walked on water to meet the disciples on the other side of the sea. The crowd that had been fed comes “looking for Jesus” in Capernaum. Jesus reprimands them for seeking Him because of earthly things (being filled with bread) instead of searching for the heavenly blessings (eternal life.) Being more focused on the miraculous signs, the crowd asks how they can “accomplish the works of God?” and once again Jesus directs them to focus on faith in Him.
In the first reading, Stephen is “working great wonders and signs” among the people in Jerusalem because of his faith in Jesus. The power and grace that he demonstrates allows Stephen to stand up and boldly proclaim what He believes despite the risk of imprisonment and possible death. Stephen’s faith was so intense that his face almost appeared like the face of an angel.
As we look around in our world today, where do we find these same “great wonders and signs”? Where are the people who have such great faith that their faces appear like an angel? Do they exist? I think that they do, but part of the reason that they are not always obvious is because we are looking for the wrong things. Just as Jesus reminded the crowd in the gospel, we need to be reminded that it is through great faith in Him that the power of His grace can work.
Pope Francis is an example of how great faith can bring about great wonders. Pope Francis’ teachings on mercy, the family, and on care for the environment are just a few of the great signs that God is alive and wanting to share His love with us.
What would happen if each of us would allow Christ and His love to be the determining factor of everything we said or did? What if the power of Christ in our lives was so strong that we were able to forgive someone who hurt us gravely? Or what if we could respond with diplomacy and peace instead of immediately responding with war and fighting? Would it be possible to feed many more hungry people if we could share from our surplus? Would we be able to accept others even in their differences and respect them as our brother and sister? If we could work towards peace, forgiveness of others, the dignity of all people and mercy towards those in need because of our great faith- then indeed I think we would be accomplishing great wonders and signs for our world today!
We must look for Jesus who leads us to the Father and the Spirit. Through faith in God and surrendering to His will, we can do mighty things in Him and through Him. Just as the Father has set His seal on Jesus, we are also sealed with His Spirit. May we accomplish the works of God by His grace and in all that we do may we bring Him glory and praise.
- Marylynn Herchline