Reading for July 3: UB 146:6
In these passages, we reflect upon a time when Jesus walked among the people, performing wondrous deeds and captivating the hearts of those who believed in signs and miracles. In central and southern Galilee, there was a generation seeking wonders, hungry for extraordinary displays of power. Scores of people, plagued by nervous disorders and emotional disturbances, sought Jesus’ presence and returned home proclaiming that they had been healed. These simple-minded individuals, ignorant of the true nature of their healing, regarded it as a physical miracle.
It was in the midst of this wonder-seeking atmosphere that Jesus and his apostles set out towards Nain. A multitude of believers and curious individuals followed them, eagerly anticipating miracles and extraordinary acts. As they approached the city gate, they encountered a funeral procession, carrying the lifeless body of the only son of a widowed mother. This grieving woman, respected by the community, was accompanied by half of the village, all mourning the loss of this young man. When the widow and her companions recognized Jesus, their hopes soared. They implored him to bring the son back to life, for they believed that such a healer could even conquer death itself. Responding to their importunity, Jesus approached the funeral bier and examined the boy. He discovered that the young man was not truly dead but in a deep sleep. Jesus understood the tragedy that could be averted with his presence, so he turned to the mother and said, “Weep not. Your son is not dead; he sleeps. He will be restored to you.” Taking the young man by the hand, Jesus spoke words of awakening and restoration. In that moment, the boy, who was thought to be dead, sat up, began to speak, and returned to life. Jesus then sent them back to their homes, filled with awe and wonder at the extraordinary event they had witnessed.
Jesus sought to calm the multitude and explain that the boy was not truly dead, that he had not brought him back from the grave. But his words fell on deaf ears. The crowd was consumed by emotional frenzy, gripped by fear, panic, and a sense of divine presence. Some fell to praying and wailing over their sins, unable to comprehend the true nature of the miracle. Even Jesus’ attempts to hide his miracles in modesty went unnoticed. News of this astonishing event spread throughout Galilee and into Judea. Many who heard the report believed that Jesus had raised the widow’s son from the dead. Jesus, however, struggled to make even his own apostles fully grasp the reality of the situation. Only Luke, who recorded the incident as it had been related to him, understood that the boy was not truly dead but in a state of deep sleep.
In contemplating this talk, we must recognize the powerful effect of expectation and belief. The people of that time were so consumed by their desire for miracles that they saw them where they did not exist. Jesus, in his compassion, met them where they were and brought solace to their suffering. He used this opportunity to demonstrate his divine power and bring comfort to a grieving mother. Yet, he also sought to teach them deeper truths, to help them see beyond the surface and understand the nature of his ministry.
We too are a wonder-seeking generation. We long for signs and miracles, desiring extraordinary experiences that can strengthen our faith. But we should try and remember that faith does not always require extraordinary signs. True faith is built upon a foundation of trust in the unseen, in the eternal truths that transcend the physical realm. Let’s not become so consumed by seeking miracles that we miss the miracles unfolding in our daily lives. Let’s have faith in the power of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Let’s embrace the miracles of healing that occur within our hearts and in our relationships. Remember that Jesus’ ministry went far beyond physical healing, encompassing the transformation of hearts and the restoration of souls.
Let’s always be open to the miracles that surround us, both grand and subtle. Let’s seek the signs of divine presence in the ordinary moments of our lives, knowing that the greatest miracles are often found in the quiet whispers of grace. Let’s make sure our faith is grounded in the eternal truths.
(lp)