Miracle of miracles!  Oh, what we have just witnessed!  The Risen Christ in our midst!

Acts: 2:32 - "God has raised this very Jesus from death, and we are all witnesses to this fact."  It is time to sing and dance and celebrate.

Psalm 16:7-8 - "I praise the Lord, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me.  I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me."

Oh, how we wish we could say what the Psalmist says..that we are always aware of the Lord's presence.  Why is it that at special times in our lives we truly believe ..."We've made it.  Now I understand.  I won't forget this wonderful grace God has given me.  I won't doubt again.  I've finally arrived."

And then, not too long after that special moment, we forget; we don't have the intentional awareness that God's presence is with us; and we rely too much on our own limited strength.   Why is that?  Why can't we lock it in?  Keep intentional--keep focused?

The only answer I can come up with is that again we are reminded that we are limited human beings who are constantly in process of our own development.

What does Jesus expect?

Matthew has the answer in today's Gospel.  Chapter 8.  It is the story of the Roman officer who met Jesus and begged for help for his sick servant.  "Sir, my servant is sick in bed at home, unable to move and suffering terribly."  Jesus said, "I will go and make him well."

"Oh no, Sir," answered the officer.  "I don't deserve to have you come into my house.  Just give the order, and my servant will get well." When Jesus heard this, he was surprised and said to the people following him, "I tell you, I have never found anyone in Israel with faith like this."

Again, Jesus tells us that everything is wrapped up in having Faith. Jesus wants us to have the daily response of Faith in him, the Risen Christ, in all we do, every day.  It's not enough to have those special moments of recognition.  We have to develop the rhythm of daily - hourly-acts of faith that keep us focused.  We are in the presence of God, the Risen Christ is in our midst.  Alleluia!!!! Alleluia!!!! Alleluia!!!!