Even if you do not believe me, believe the works. (John 10:38)
An old adage tells us that actions speak louder than words. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus bears this out when he tells his detractors that his miracles should be more than enough evidence to convince them that he really is who he says he is.
We all know that Jesus performed some wonderful miracles. We also know that these acts of power were meant to reveal who he was. They were designed not only to relieve people of their suffering but also to back up his claims about who he was. Jesus wasn’t just a nice person or a wise teacher. He was the Son of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity who was sent into the world to redeem all humanity.
Now the Church teaches that when we are baptized, we receive a share in the life of God. The Holy Spirit comes to live in us. And just as Jesus was in the Father and the Father was in him, each of us is now incorporated into Christ—and Christ lives in us! This means that because we are united with the Lord, we too can minister God’s peace, healing and restoration to the people in our lives. We too can “do the works” that Jesus did (John 14:12).
The simple act of asking if you can pray with someone who is hurting can be a big step toward showing them that Jesus is alive and wants to work in their lives. Little steps that share God’s love, like reading a favorite Scripture passage together or inviting someone to join you at Sunday Mass, can begin a process of healing and conversion.
People may not believe you if all they hear are your words. They may not believe you if all they know about you is your reputation as a faithful attendee at Mass. But they will believe you if they experience the love of Christ flowing from your words, your actions, and your attitudes. So never stop believing that Christ is in you. Never stop believing that in him, you can move mountains!
“Come, Holy Spirit, and touch me with the fire of your love. Show me what a tremendous gift you have given me—the invitation to show to the world that you are still working your miracles today.”
Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-7
