This weekend we will be reading from the Gospel of Mark (MK 7:31-37). Here St. Mark recounts the healing of the deaf mute. He concludes this passage with what some consider to be a rather puzzling observation. St. Mark writes that Jesus ordered everyone to keep this amazing miracle under wraps, not to spread the news, not to talk about it. We often refer to this as the “Messianic Secret”. Why would He do such a thing? Was He shy? Was He fearful? No, He was simply wise.
Jesus knows the tendencies of our fallen nature. He knew that too many reports of miracles and prodigious events would lead people to think of Him merely as a wonder-worker. They would feed the impression that He had come to create paradise on earth, that His Kingdom was merely a really good earthly reign. And Jesus didn't want to give that impression.
He wanted more time to explain His vision. His teachings, as well as His miracles were designed to convince people that the Kingdom of God went far beyond politics and economics. The reason for all His actions was to touch people's hearts, bring them back into communion with God and show them the path to eternal life. His miracles were not the goal of His ministry. They were indications of His true nature as the Son of God, signs of His credibility, confirmations of the truth of His teachings, and invitations to trust, obey, and follow Him. Even physical healing is meant to be a sign of the greater gift of Salvation in Christ Jesus.
When we realize the true nature of His words and miracles we are moved to a deeper faith in the Person of Jesus. It is not about what we can “get” from Jesus. Faith is not a sort of spiritual currency. It is a uniting of our hearts to His Sacred Heart. Faith is a life of love and dedication to our Beloved Savior. It is as difficult as family life in this current age. It is as challenging as the most rigorous training program. And…it is more rewarding than your best relationship or your greatest achievement. Faith is our first response to the miracle of the healing.
Our second response to this miracle and all that we read in the Bible is that we are to be living signs of God’s goodness and power in this fallen world. We are called to be Jesus’ ongoing, long-lasting miracles. Pope Francis calls this our call to evangelize the world. We are missionaries even in our homeland. Every one of us is a living billboard for the Gospel.
Strive each day to be faithful to your friendship with Jesus. If you do that, He will shine through you even when you are not aware of it. Then miracles untold will begin to happen.
Joyfully,
Father Mike