Every Miracle Should Lead to Repentance

Thursday 13th April 2023. Read Acts 3:11-26, Ps. 8:2,5-9, Luke 24:35-48

“Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus.” (Acts 3:12-13)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus appeared in the company of his disciples. They thought He was a ghost. Jesus asked them if they had anything to eat and they gave him a piece of broiled fish which he ate in their presence. He then went on to explain the Scriptures to them.

Jesus said: “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46-48).

If Jesus was to appear to us today, this is exactly what he would say: “You are my witnesses.” As witnesses, we have a calling to reach out to people all over the world and announce to them the Good News. Do not be afraid of responding to this call, whatever you do will not be by your power just as it wasn’t by his personal strength that Peter was
able to cure the cripple. We only need to say Yes to God while He begins to work through us.

As soon as the cripple was cured, a crowd gathered wondering how Peter was able to do that. Peter did not take any glory on himself but used the occasion to point attention to Jesus. In this sermon, Peter noted: “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way, God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:18-19).

God allows miracles to happen not for the glorification of the person (be it the pastor, the preacher, the prayer warrior, etc), but so that we would know that God truly exists and then, repent from our sins. Don’t witness a miracle without taking a moment to ponder on your life and repent. Do not simply laugh or clap and then walk away – do not be like the power of Chorazin or Bethsaida that Jesus was not happy with because they witnessed His miracles but refused to turn from their sins. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, grant us the grace of true repentance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Easter Thursday. Bible Study: Acts 3:11-26, Ps. 8:2,5-9, Luke 24:35-48)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu