07-23-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 23, 2023
Do you believe in miracles? There are plenty of people who would be quick to say that miracles are a bunch of nonsense, yet I have not only seen them but also had the joy of participating in them. In Acts 19:11, we read: "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul." That is the narrator describing what s/he believes, and it might be exactly what I would have said. Yet I have always made it a point to suggest that I do not believe God thinks in terms of miracles. It is a human description of the amazing work of God, often used when we cannot find the words necessary to describe what we have witnessed. From God’s viewpoint, I sort of think of it as God doing what God does best—heal, encourage, inspire, transform, and make whole. And usually doing it through the faithful words and actions of human beings. We say, "A miracle," and God says, "Just doing what I do, with you and through you."

Keep my heart attuned to your work in the world, O God, so I may witness the ongoing miracles that occur every day. And then, if, by chance, I can be a part of the miracles of grace in this world, I am ready to step up and do so. Amen.