Scripture:
Reflection:
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. –Acts 6:8
Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. -John 6:26
In both of our readings today, signs and wonders are mentioned. In the reading from Acts, Steven is brought before the Sanhedrin, and even though, “his face was like the face of an angel,” they were infuriated by his teachings. No matter that he had done and was continuing to do great wonders and signs, he didn’t fit into their way of seeing the world. They had no way to fit him into their hierarchical religious system and consequently he was martyred. They were unable to accept the wonders and signs as coming from God as they set themselves up as the gatekeepers of all that was holy.
In the reading from John’s gospel we have a scene right after the feeding of 5000 from just a few loaves and fishes. But once again the wonders and signs are missed. The crowd follows Jesus in hopes of another handout, not because they recognize the words of God flowing from him.
But I sometimes wonder if we’re not much different today. It’s easy for us to look to God to make drastic changes in our lives or world. We often pray with great specificity of how we want God to accomplish the signs and wonders in our lives. And if they don’t occur the way we wish we accuse God of being distant or not listening.
But what if the great signs and wonders all around us every day. Do you remember when we arise in the morning from our first breath we have the opportunity to breathe God into our lives. Do our hearts filled with true gratitude when we pray before a meal? Do we listen for the words of God not only from the pulpit but from the loving people in our lives?
This Easter season, my prayer for myself and for all of us is that we slow down and recognize the signs and wonders that fill our lives. And pray in great gratitude to our Lord for these gifts.
Talib Huff is a retired teacher and a member of the retreat team at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California. You may contact him at [email protected].