In both readings today we see dramatic miracles performed through the intercession of holy human beings. In the case of Abraham and Sarah it is their fertility well past the time where that appeared biologically possible. Interestingly, however, in this reading from Genesis the three holy men are not named, and it is difficult to discern exactly when they are speaking and the Lord is speaking. Note, for instance, that it is one of the men who makes the prophecy that Sarah will have a son within a year but when she scoffs at the notion, it is then the Lord who speaks directly to Abraham. But, in any event, we clearly see human beings interceding as agents of God.
The relationship between God and human beings is actually quite a bit clearer in the second reading where Jesus – who was both fully human and divine – is the chief actor. But note here too that Jesus uses a faith-filled human, the centurion, as his agent to cure the servant.
Sometimes in Mass, I have to admit, I can let my mind wander during readings like this. I think to myself: “Yeah, yeah, another miracle story. I’ve got the picture.” But in doing that I cheat myself and I cheat God. These stories are not just quaint relics of a bygone age where people were superstitious. We all have the power to intercede on behalf of God for other human beings in ways that we sometimes don’t even understand. I can think of many instances in which reading one of the reflections by other authors on this site has helped me turn a little corner out of the darkness and into the light. Sometimes a tender and unexpected hug from my wife or one of my children has helped me let my material cares slip by and concentrate on what’s really important.
Viewed through the distorting glasses of modernity, we don’t call these things miracles anymore, but we should. Because they are. They are proof that God loves us and that we can be God’s agents each and every day.
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Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
