Opening Prayer
Lord, I reflect on your miracles as the claim you make upon our attention, proving that you are the Creator who alone has power over the laws of nature. You who made the fire can make it harmless; you who made the water can make it firm, showing that you are the Ruler of all things.
Grant me eyes to see your hand moving in the world around me, recognizing that you are the Sovereign of all existence, whether you act through the regular course of nature or above it. May I never grow blind to the wonders of Thy presence.
Amen.
Matthew 14:22-33
22And forthwith Jesus obliged his disciples to go up into the boat, and to go before him over the water, till he dismissed the people. 23And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone. 24But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea. 26And they seeing him walk upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear. 27And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not. 28And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters. 29And he said: Come. And Peter going down out of the boat, walked upon the water to come to Jesus. 30But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt? 32And when they were come up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: Indeed thou art the Son of God.
Blessed John Henry Newman
Blessed John Henry Newman explains that “no one has power over nature but he who made it”. Miracles are the “claim he makes upon our attention”. In the Gospel, Jesus walking on water is the “proof that God was there”. Newman evaluates miracles as a clinical necessity for revelation; they remind us that the Creator “alone can undo” what He has made. This narrative of grace shows that God is not bound by nature but uses it as His instrument.
Reflect on Newman’s words: “He who made fire to burn… can make fire harmless”. In God’s presence, consider the miracles in the lives of the saints as proof of His “visitation”. Miracles are not “magic”; they are the Creator reminding us of His ownership. Have you witnessed a “small miracle” in your own life of grace?
“When miracles are wrought it is a proof that God is present… He thereby reminds us that he is the Creator. He who did, alone can undo.”
— Blessed John Henry Newman
Mary and the Magisterium
Miracles are the “proof that God is present”, the signature of the Creator who alone can change the laws of nature. Mary herself is the “greatest miracle”: a virgin who conceives, a creature who carries her Creator. She is the living proof of God’s direct intervention in nature, showing that He who “made the fire to burn” can also make the “iron light”. Her very existence demands the attention of the world, pointing beyond her own lowliness to the absolute Omnipotence of God.
- Do I believe that "nothing is impossible for the almighty Creator"?
- Am I attentive to the ways God "visits" me through the extraordinary interruptions of my daily routine?
Closing Prayer
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Teach me to discern Your presence in both the ordinary and the miraculous.
Amen.
