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Tuesday, January 6, 1998

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Bl. André Bessette


1 John 4:7-10
Psalm 72
Mark 6:34-44

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i believe in miracles

"Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus raised His eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to distribute." —Mark 6:41

Jesus took a little boy's lunch (Jn 6:9) and multiplied it into several thousand dollars worth of food (Mk 6:37).

Did Jesus really do this? Yes. The Scriptures are clear that Jesus worked a miracle of multiplication. This is the most frequently recorded miracle, found six times in the four gospels. Jesus did not rustle up some food from somewhere or merely get people to share. The Bible is clear. Jesus did a physical miracle.

Does Jesus still do this? Yes. There are many reliable accounts of miraculous multiplications throughout the history of the Church and even before the Church existed (see 2 Kgs 4:42ff). Jesus is the same now as He was then (see Heb 13:8).

How do we receive a multiplication-miracle? First, we must need it. The Lord has already given many of us so much food that we don't need it multiplied but distributed. However, we may need other things multiplied, like time and energy. Second, to receive a multiplication-miracle, we must express our faith in Jesus by giving all to Him. Third, we need faith to receive the miracle of multiplication. The Lord helps us grow in faith (see Rm 10:17) by teaching us at great length (Mk 6:34).

Will Jesus do a multiplication-miracle this Christmas season? It is quite likely. Christmas is named after Christ and Mass. At Mass, Christ not only multiplies food but also transforms it into His body and blood. Expect a miracle this Christmas time.

Prayer:  Father, give me faith to move mountains (Mt 17:20) and to do miracles in Jesus' name.

Promise:  "Love, then, consists in this: not that we have loved God but that He has loved us and has sent His Son as an Offering for our sins." —1 Jn 4:10

Praise:  André maintained a pious and obedient spirit as janitor, barber, gardener, lamplighter, and doorkeeper. He gave all credit for his many miracles of healing to the intercession of St. Joseph.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, June 1, 1997


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 9, 1997