FAITH AS THE CLINCHER
The
prophecies of Isaiah in today’s First Reading are highly optimistic.
“The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind.
Instead, there will always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create.”
This, too, must have been the tune of the royal official in our Gospel
reading today as he experienced Jesus’ miraculous cure of his son. No
wonder, “He and his whole household came to believe.”
But it was precisely this which Jesus downplays, not without
sarcasm: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not
believe.” To that strong statement of Jesus, the royal official could
only reply with an even stronger reaffirmation of his request: “Sir,
come down before my child dies.” Finally, Jesus told him, “You may go;
your son will live.”
Whether it sounds optimistic or sarcastic, the important thing is that
we open ourselves readily and unconditionally to God’s holy will. He may
or may not act at once on our pleas; He may be slow or may be swift in
responding to our prayers. In the end, it is our faith which clinches
everything. If it would take signs and wonders for us to believe, let it
be so. If nothing at all results from our entreaties, let it be so as
well. We just have to believe all the same. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you depend on signs and wonders before you believe?
Increase my faith in You, Lord.
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