A very important phrase in the gospel passage today is Peter's response to Jesus: We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of Israel.
Sometimes the process of coming to believe in Jesus is a quick one, sometimes a slow one – but, it is essential that it be a real one, and a true one. Life just does not, and can not make sense apart from Jesus. Material life is vitally connected to spiritual life and both are joined and explained by Jesus in a very convincing way for those who allow the Holy Spirit to work in them to open their minds and hearts. Otherwise nothing makes sense and following Jesus around is pointless. And so, many left him.
In the first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles we see how being convinced about the real power and presence of Jesus in his Church brought with it great signs and wonders: healing and raising from the dead. Because of these signs many came to believe not that the Apostles were wonder workers – but that the name of Jesus had real and effective power. Members of the Church were added because they wanted to be connected to this source of power and strength and protection! To this Way, Truth, Life!
The Apostles were sent out explicitly to preach, teach and perform signs. Many of them obviously did all three at the beginning. In our own day the preaching and teaching continues – but the performing of truly awesome signs has all but stopped. Why is that? Are not the bishops taking their complete mandate seriously? Perhaps, if more would, the chances would be greater for people not of the Church to want to investigate what it is all about!
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