The miracle stories hold a special fascination for all of us. They tell us about the mercy, the compassion and the love of our God for all that He has created. They show us the power and providence, the care and concern of a loving Father. Miracles always announce a new age in the history of our world: that God’s kingdom is both here and yet to come. But there is even more. We need to look beyond the miracle story to see and understand what that kingdom is all about.

When Jesus went about curing blind people, they saw things differently than before. They were no longer blind to God, nor did they suffer from a lack of faith. They saw Jesus in a new light, that He had the words of life. When Jesus cured people of their deafness, they were able to hear what He had to say and they took His words to heart. They listened intently to get the meaning of every word He spoke. When the lame man jumped up with joy, it was more than the fact that he could walk; there was a whole new way to live. He recognized that he was of great value and that he had dignity, yes, worthy to be as a son of God. The miracle story we hear this weekend speaks about the faith of Canaanite woman, who was not a member of the Jewish family or faith. She begs the Lord to cure her little daughter who is terribly troubled. Perhaps she was developmentally delayed, emotionally disturbed or handicapped. At first, the Lord is silent, and then after her insistence “Please Lord,” the child is restored to health!

Looking beyond the miracle story, we find that not only is her daughter healed, but also her family is included as part of the family of God. The point of the story is that God’s love includes all that He has created. Salvation is not limited by racial or ethnic lines. God’s love is not reserved only for healthy people, the educated, or those who never miss church. He does not restrict His love because of failure or weakness or even sin. His healing mercy and compassion extend to all, rich or poor, young or old, saint or sinner. No one is ever excluded.

That is why we are called to be signs of God’s love, not just for those who are active in our parish family, or those who might agree with us, or even those in our little circle of friends. We are to break down all those barriers and walls that separate us. We are to remove all those obstacles that keep us apart, those false attitudes that isolate us from one another. Is it pride, selfishness, or greed that keeps me locked up in my small world? Or is it fear? We are to take time to listen to our hearts. Isn’t it strange that the disciples could no longer hear the crying of someone who was hurting? They wanted to get rid of her so that they could get on with their own agenda. She was just too annoying. However, Jesus saw a woman of great faith, and He fulfilled her wishes.

The miracle story goes on to give us a hint that the Eucharist is for all people, everyone in need. The Lord does satisfy all of our needs by giving us Himself as the Bread of Life. Strangers and foreigners, those different from us, are not to be ignored, given only the crumbs that fall from our tables. In every Eucharist, we celebrate the love of God who extends his hands to all the world. You see, miracles don’t bring about faith. It is faith that brings about miracles. You and I are people of faith, so let’s fill the world with miracles! Better yet, let’s fill the world with the Eucharist that has no boundaries!

In Christ,

Deacon Bill

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