the second miracle
"If the miracles worked in your midst had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have reformed in sackcloth and ashes." —Luke 10:13
On Judgment Day, we will be held accountable for our response to the miracles the Lord has worked in our midst. If we have not repented of our sins in response to the Lord's miracles, we will "be hurled down to the realm of death!" (Lk 10:15)
We believe in miracles. We believe every Baptism is a miracle by which we receive a new nature and become the adopted children of God. At every Mass, the miracle of miracles occurs: the bread and wine is changed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus. Every marriage in the Lord is a miracle by which two people become inseparably one (Mt 19:6). Also, we have seen many miracles of healing through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and through other healing prayers. Jesus promised that those who believe in Him would do greater by far than He did (Jn 14:12). This promise has been and continues to be fulfilled. We live in the age of miracles. Consequently, we should also be living in the age of repentance.
Let every miracle of healing, transformation, or blessing lead to a second miracle: the miracle of repentance.
Prayer: Father, may miracles result in people going to Confession monthly.
Promise: "Help us, O God our Savior, because of the glory of Your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for Your name's sake." —Ps 79:9
Praise: Twice a week, St. Francis visited a local leper colony, bringing them hope and the message of Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape I Believe in Miracles on audio AV 63-3 or video V-63.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013
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