converting the perverting
"If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Sodom, it would be standing today." —Matthew 11:23
The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum did not convert despite the many miracles Jesus worked within their borders (Mt 11:20ff). However, Jesus said that Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, some of the most wicked cities in history, would have converted in response to the same miracles (Mt 11:21, 23). Jesus also said that those who believe in Him will do greater works than He had done (Jn 14:12). Therefore, if we believe in Jesus, we have more than enough firepower to convert not only individuals but also cities. Moreover, we can convert not only some cities but even the most perverted and notorious cities.
There is One much greater in us "than there is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). "We are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us" (Rm 8:37). By faith, we can conquer kingdoms (Heb 11:33). We "possess God's power for the destruction of strongholds. We demolish sophistries and every proud pretension that raises itself against the knowledge of God; we likewise bring every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:4-5). We can attack the gates of hell, which cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18).
Most people recognize the formidable perversion-power of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We must also realize the much more formidable conversion-power of believing Christians working miracles.
Prayer: Father, do in me what You must in order to do through me what You will.
Promise: "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" —Is 7:9
Praise: Kateri desired Jesus so much that she left her family, tribe, homeland, and support system to be able to live as a Catholic in a foreign land.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Mission Impossible.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 2, 1997