< <  

Friday, September 18, 1998

  > >
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Psalm 17
Luke 8:1-3

View Readings
Similar Reflections

i believe in miracles

"The Twelve accompanied Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and maladies." —Luke 8:1-2

Christians believe in miracles. Our faith is based on Christ's resurrection from the dead (1 Cor 15:14, 17). The miracle of Jesus' resurrection was preceded by the miracle of His atonement for all sins by His death on Calvary. These miracles of the Paschal mystery were preceded by countless signs, wonders, healings, and deliverances during Jesus' public ministry (see Lk 8:2). All of these miracles are predicated on the unimaginable, unprecedented miracle of Jesus' Incarnation, God becoming man.

These miracles of Jesus are the basis for such miracles as our becoming new creations (see 2 Cor 5:17); having God, the Holy Trinity, dwell within us; our receiving the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion; our resurrection from the dead; and our entry into the eternal happiness of heaven.

Miracles are the very atmosphere in which Christians live. All of our sacraments are miracles of salvation, forgiveness, transubstantiation, unity, or healing. A miracle began our Christian life. Our daily life goes from miracle to miracle. When we die or when we meet Jesus at the miracle of His final coming, the last event of our lives on earth will be a miracle. If you believe in Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God, you believe in miracles.

Prayer:  Father, "I believe! Help my lack of faith" (Mk 9:24, our transl).

Promise:  "Christ is now raised from the dead, the First Fruits of those who have fallen asleep." —1 Cor 15:20

Praise:  Kelli, a teenager, suffered only a broken leg in a severe automobile accident in which only the rear tires were salvageable from her car. She proclaims that the Lord worked a miracle to keep her from further harm.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998