Miracles Happen when We Believe in the Prophet Sent to Us

07-04-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp

According to the Living Liturgy 2021 “Each reading this Sunday is about those who were singed by failure and vulnerability, but who continue to be a guiding light to their communities. Ezekiel is sent by God to the people named as rebels, who are obstinate, defiant and deaf to God’s word. Paul in the second reading finds himself facing opposition both from those who regard themselves as super apostles and who tout around the word of God for their own reputation, and from the members of the Corinthian church who have fallen under their influence. And Jesus in the Gospel is found to be unacceptable in his own hometown of Nazareth.” In the first reading from the Prophecy of Ezekiel, the Lord sent him to go and deliver His message to His people whether they accept it or not, but let that word be spoken to them. The Lord knows they are hard and obstinate of heart, but still He wants His words to be spoken to them by His prophet Ezekiel. This is a responsibility to every guardian, teacher and parents who have been entrusted with people to look after. The truth must be spoken whether accepted or not by those you look after.

Then in the Gospel Jesus came into His native village and entered the synagogue and began to teach them, and the people were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all these? What kind of wisdom has been given Him? What mighty deeds are wrought by His hands? Is He not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses, and are not His sisters here with us?” They took offense at him because they feel they know Him too well and thus should not possess such wisdom, where did He get this wisdom? Because they feel they know Him they paid less attention to his message. As a result, He could not perform many miracles in their lives. Most often we disregard important messages that could benefit our lives simply because we are too familiar with the person or messenger. At times we fail to listen to important messages that can transform our lives because we focus our attention on the status of the person giving the message and not the content of the message.

From these two readings the first lesson we get is that God continues to speak to our hearts and He wants us to be open to the messages, He sends us through His prophets. Let us not close our hearts to God’s message or neglect the messengers He sends us. As parents He wants you to continue to speak to your children the truth, values and principles that will guide them in their lives whether they accept it or not, pay attention to it or not. Do not give up in telling them the truth that will guide them in their lives. If they do not listen now one day they will remember and recognize what you have told them.

The other important message is that miracles happen when we believe and trust the messenger of God that is sent to us. If you cannot trust the messenger of God, how can the message of God that they proclaim bring you divine transformation that could change your situation? But if you believe in Him, as the messenger of God, then His prayers can attract the miracle of God in your lives not withstanding His status. God can use anybody to accomplish his design in our world.

I wish you all the blessings of God’s Mercy this Sunday, and everyone a blessed 4th of July, as I pray for your families.

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