In Matthew 13:58, we read "Because the people did not have any faith, Jesus did not work many miracles there." The people of Nazareth, the village of Jesus' birth, watched this boy grow up. After all, he was only the carpenter's son. So they did not have any particular hope for him as an adult. He was a rather strange child, one who loved the animals and the grass he walked on, was kind to the smaller children, and obeyed his mother. He did not join in to the mischief-making enjoyed by the other neighbors' children. Jesus would not work many miracles there; but he loved the reading of the scriptures read by the elders.
"How do we, today, go about making sure that we have faith so Jesus can do many miracles in our lives? What must we do as a family of God and as individuals to guarantee that our faith is real and deep and growing? Throughout our lives Jerry and I look for ways that we can share our faith stories. Different places we have lived, different churches, different neighbors and friends each have given us some kind of opportunity to share who we are, and hear who others are in Jesus. Many good people have entered our lives so we might hear their stories and they might listen to our story.
"Faith really grows by sharing it. So, we share our lives, remembering always that it is God we must trust, God who is in charge. It is God, then, who is totally faithful. Yet, I am certain that God is pleased by our sharing. As for us, perhaps we will be more attentive for His miracles.
"God, build my faith into a mountain! Let me be a sign of faith in you for all the world to see, and let the miracles you do in my life be my testimony to your goodness. I will not doubt your love and faithfulness to me and my family. Amen"
What today have I done to share the joy of the Lord? Nothing big. Words to a blog? A doctor appointment? Showing kindness to the nurses rather than annoyance? Our youngest daughter arriving this afternoon, and for all of these moments, and more, I praise you, Lord.
Jo INMN
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