Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth…" How often have we recited this during Mass and for how many years? Even reciting something as consequential as this can become rote. Sadly, many of us say these words and go on…unmoved by the significance of what we have just proclaimed. The point is I am saying that 'I believe'!
In today's Gospel, Jesus has returned to Cana from Samaria. The Galileans, because they had witnessed the miracles of Jesus at the feast in Jerusalem, welcomed him. A royal official from Capernaum approached Jesus imploring him to come to his house and heal his dying son. Jesus answered him saying, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe." Immediately sensing the man's faith was lacking. Jesus, Mediator and Fullness of all Revelation (CCC 65), responded in accordance with his purpose—not merely limited to physical healing, but bringing all people to the Father. Jesus had just come from Samaria where the community had come to believe because of his Word; there was no need for miracles to develop faith in him. John's Gospel relates 'seven signs' performed by Jesus for the express purpose of progressively revealing his identity as the Son of God. Yet in his own Jewish community he was still largely rejected. Jesus tells the royal official to return to his home and his son was healed. Consequently, the official and his 'whole household' were converted…they came to truly believe.
Conversion stories are powerful. Conversion stories with miraculous healings can be even more powerful. But what about our ordinary, daily experiences? How do I open myself to experience Jesus every single day and how does this deepen my faith in God? Experiential knowledge is most compelling regardless of whether it involves a miraculous healing or not. Can I walk outside in nature and say 'I believe'? Can I look in the face of a friend I am comforting and say 'I believe'? Can I read the 'Word' this day and say 'I believe? Can I make a gratitude list and say 'I believe'? Can I listen to another person's testimony and say 'I believe'? Pray about these ordinary things. Ask God to reveal something that is extraordinarily ordinary…then say 'I believe'. May we no longer need a 'sign' or a miracle (as defined by the limits of the human mind). And the next time each of us recites the Creed during the Eucharist, may we truly mean every single word we proclaim.
--Gail Lyman