+ Our readings today are about "signs and wonders." The Old Testament is filled with such external manifestations of "God's power and glory" – all for the purpose of establishing him among a "pagan Who's Who?" of minor deities and gods. Faith, of some sort, was operative in most of the people in these ages. It was just a matter of truly demonstrating a god with the best credentials. Our God wins - for he is the One and Only True God – the Origin and Source of Everything; the others being but "smoke in the wind." The story of Elijah and the fire lighting at Mt. Carmel is a wonderful example of how God can do not only marvelous deeds, but in a most unusual and even contradictory sort of way: lighting a fire in the midst of a pool of water! God can do, and does whatever he wants!
Why then does he not do such "signs and wonders" today – very much? Because in our world faith in mostly lacking altogether. Science and technology have taken over. If it can't be proved under a microscope, then it is probably not true, says popular culture. And so, "signs and wonders" from God would simply be wasted and considered too flashy for our modern tastes – therefore he withholds such acts. However, this does not mean that faith cannot be responsible for marvelous and even miraculous things being accomplished – especially as the result of prayer. Jesus still is very much a God of Wonder, Power and Might! He can do what he wants – but he chooses to do it in a way that will not show up on the CBS Morning News Show tomorrow. What is still essential is our faith in him and his power! Lord Jesus, we do believe today in your care for us and your power to save and heal. We believe that you can light a fire in our souls for good this day!
The gospel passage is about Jesus not being flashy or showy about doing his work fulfillment. He says quite plainly that he has come not to abolish anything at all that came before him, but simply to fulfill it – to show how it indeed foretold and announced his arrival and upcoming work – and was a kind of blueprint for what it would be like! The One Great Sign and Wonder that he saved up to the end was his being raised up on the Cross to prove the depth of his love for us – for our salvation! There is no greater Sign and Wonder than that of the Cross of Christ Crucified! May he be praised and thanked forever for his astounding compassion on the likes of all mankind, including us!
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope!
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