signs and wonders
“He and his whole household thereupon became believers. This was the second sign that Jesus performed.” —John 4:53-54
Jesus promised signs and wonders would accompany those professing their faith (Mk 16:17). Notice signs and wonders do not create faith as much as faith creates signs and wonders.
Jesus disapproves of faith as merely an effect and makes it primarily the cause. He rebukes the people: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you do not believe” (Jn 4:48). He called the royal official to believe before the healing of his son. Jesus simply told the royal official: “ ‘Return home. Your son will live.’ The man put his trust in the word Jesus spoke to him, and started for home” (Jn 4:50). Once the official believed, he saw a great healing. This resulted in greater faith for both him and his whole household (Jn 4:53).
Signs and wonders accompany and complement faith, not vice versa. Jesus does not try to dazzle us but rather leads us to a personal commitment to Himself. He calls us to focus not so much on the healing, as the Healer, on the wonder, as on the Wonder-Worker, that is, Himself.
Prayer: Jesus, thanks for all Your healings and miracles, especially during this Lent. Thanks most of all for You. I love You.
Promise: “There shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create.” —Is 65:18
Praise: When Bob came back to the Church, he was joined by his non-Catholic wife and children. Now the whole family receives the Eucharistic Lord Jesus together in joy.
Reference: (Grow in faith by reading the Bible every day. We have several series to help you: 15-Minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty CDs starting with CD 700. An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible is thirty-two CDs starting with CD 21-1 or seventeen DVDs starting with DVD 21.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.