By Beth DeCristofaro
Thus says the LORD: This is what I
commanded my people: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. (Jeremiah 7:23)
But he knew their thoughts and said to
them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house
will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his
kingdom stand? … But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then
the Kingdom of God has come upon you. (Luke
11:17-18, 20)
Piety
Study
In
today’s Gospel Jesus performs a miracle which astounds the witnesses and
prompts his disclosure that “the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” The Gospels do not focus solely on miracles
but we – today as in ancient Palestine – are still astounded and pray for
miracles when tragedy strikes or sorrow and hardship surround us. Jesus’ teachings go beyond the surface of
miracles. He continues and deepens God’s
promise to the Chosen People “I will be
your God and you shall be my people” but with a twist.
Through
Jesus who was literally God’s fingers, toes, voice box, blood, knees,
integrity, passion, divinity and covenant, the Kingdom has come upon us. Not only are we tasked, as Jesus’ disciples
were tasked, to continue the building of the Kingdom, but we are challenged to
recognize and rejoice in it.
How
do we interpret the many miracles around us? Do we see them? The widow carries on, raising
five children after the death of her husband, making the best life possible for
them after the end of her marriage dream?
Volunteers care for countless shelter animals, clean up stream beds when
trash could damage the ecosystem, visit
the sick and dying. Lay leaders manage RCIA,
Alcoholics Anonymous, religious education, mentoring programs, and maintain
sacristies and administrative needs of parishes around the country. Civil servants stand firm to bring justice to
their country’s citizens. Random Cursillistas
form spiritual communities that serve and evangelize other random Babe Chicks
resulting in new friendships and new resolutions for life in Christ. There are
countless more examples of God’s fingers at work in small, unnoticed ways that
are miraculous, effecting healing and growth of humanity. And they build the kingdom.
Action
In
this Lenten Journey, take a moment of prayer and silence to recognize and
rejoice in the miracles around you.
Thank someone for their efforts and pray for them. What miracle can you perform today? Keep the
Women’s 149th in your prayers.
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