Repentance is the Ultimate Miracle

Tuesday, 18th July 2023. Read Exodus 2:1-15, Ps. 69:3,14,30-31,33-34, Matthew 11:20-24 

“If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (Matthew 11:21)

Today’s readings contain many lessons. One: The need for Proper Upbringing of our Children. Consider the role Moses’ sister played in our first reading today. She stood at a distance watching the baby Moses floating on the water, and the moment she noticed Pharaoh’s daughter had taken the child, she stepped in.

The little girl convinced a woman probably twice her age about what to do with the child. Her plan with her mum succeeded. His mother would bring up Moses in the guise of a nurse. In this way, the baby Moses was saved from death following Pharoah’s decree to kill all the male children born to the Israelites.

Two: Nothing is hidden Under the Sun. When Moses grew up, he couldn’t stand oppression against his people, so he killed an Egyptian. Moses thought it was secret until he tried to settle a quarrel between two Israelites the following day. The fact that people are not watching you does not mean your actions are hidden.

Three: Miracles are of great value, but to repent from sin is the ultimate miracle. Every miracle is a sign pointing to God, but unfortunately, we get stuck in the sign and forget its meaning. We return to our old ways the moment our excitement dies down. We forget that the same God who made the miracle happen has some expectations from us.

Jesus expressed utter disappointment with the towns where most of His miracles had happened because, contrary to His expectations, the people remained stiff-necked in their sinful ways.

Jesus performed countless miracles, He even raised the dead to life many times, but one miracle Jesus would not work is forcing anyone to repent. This “miracle” requires your active cooperation.

We often pray in the Stations of the Cross: “I have fallen again, completely drained of strength, my body cannot move. No blows, no kicks can rouse it up. And yet my will is mine, and so is yours. Know this, your body may be broken, but no force on earth and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours.” (9th Station; Christ Speaks). 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, grant that I may hate sin and repent of my bad habits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 15 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 2:1-15, Ps. 69:3,14,30-31,33-34, Matthew 11:20-24).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu