Over the past two weeks, we have heard several parables in the Sunday gospels. As I explained last week, Jesus used these parables to teach his followers about the kingdom of heaven. Over the next few weeks, we will hear several accounts of Jesus performing miracles. We will hear him cure the sick, feed vast crowds and even calm the sea. These miracles are also opportunities for Jesus to teach his followers – then and now. Not only do they demonstrated God’s mercy and compassion but they all point to something greater that Jesus, the Son of God, would accomplish in their midst. Allow me to offer some reflections on the significance of the miracles.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read:
547 Jesus accompanies his words with many “mighty works and wonders and signs”, which manifest that the kingdom is present in him and attest that he was the promised Messiah.
548 The signs worked by Jesus attest that the Father has sent him. They invite belief in him. To those who turn to him in faith, he grants what they ask. So miracles strengthen faith in the One who does his Father’s works; they bear witness that he is the Son of God.
Clearly, Jesus performed miracles for a variety of reasons. First, they confirm that the kingdom of God that he was sent to announce was, indeed, present in him. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that Jesus’ first message as he began his public ministry was: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 4:17). But, Jesus did more than preach. He performed many miracles to wonder of all who witnessed them. In Acts 2:22, we read Peter address the crowd at Pentecost with these words:
“You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.”
These “mighty deeds, wonders and signs” led many to believe in him. Matthew’s Gospel presents many instances where people come to Jesus believing that he will perform miracles and he responds with great compassion. For example, we read in Matthew 9:18 – 29:
While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.
When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.”* And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed [him], crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
Notice that, in all of these miracles, Jesus responds to a faith filled request for healing.
Next Sunday, we will hear an account of one of Jesus’ most dramatic miracles: feeding thousands of people with only a few loaves and some fish. This is such an important event that it is found in all four gospels. Clearly, these miraculous feedings demonstrate Jesus’ compassion but they also presage the great miracle of the Last Supper when Jesus turned common bread and wine into his own sacred Body and Blood. This miracle continues at every Eucharistic celebration and provides all believers with spiritual nourishment as they journey through this life in preparation for the heavenly banquet.
On the following Sunday, Jesus once again performs a dramatic miracle: pulling Peter out of the sea after he had called him to walk toward him on the water. In this account, we hear Peter ask Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Hearing Jesus say, “Come,” Peter dares to step out of the boat; as the gospel account records, he “began to walk on the water toward Jesus.” This demonstrates great faith on the part of Peter. But, encountering strong wind frightens him. This is a test of Peter’s faith and an assurance that, even when we falter in our faith, Jesus is there to save us whenever we turn to him.
As I mentioned earlier, these miracles are not only signs of God’s great care for us but encouragement for us as we struggle to trust God during our sometimes challenging journey through life, assured that God’s kingdom is here for those who reach out to him now while we await the time when we are destined to enjoy his heavenly banquet.
I invite you to listen carefully to these gospel accounts and reflect on how you can apply them to yourself; you’ll be amazed at what you discover! Our Lord, Jesus has, indeed, established the kingdom of heaven in our midst. Like Peter and the others in that boat, we can confidently acclaim about Jesus, “Truly, you are the Son of God” and put our trust in him!