FAITH NECESSARY FOR BLESSING AND MIRACLE
Biblical Foundations
The Gospels provide numerous accounts where faith is a prerequisite for receiving blessings and miracles from Jesus. These narratives underscore the importance of faith in the life of a believer and illustrate how Jesus responded to those who demonstrated faith.
The Leper’s Faith: In Matthew 8:2-3, a leper approached Jesus and expressed his faith by saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately, the leprosy was cleansed.
Healing of the Blind Men: In Matthew 9:28-30, two blind men followed Jesus, and He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” Their eyes were opened.
The Hemorrhaging Woman: In Mark 5:34, a woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years touched Jesus’ cloak, believing she would be healed. Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
The Possessed Boy: In Mark 9:23, a man asked Jesus to heal his son possessed by a mute spirit. Jesus replied, “All things can be done for the one who believes.” The boy was healed, emphasizing the father’s faith.
Blind Bartimaeus: In Mark 10:52, Jesus healed Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, saying, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed Jesus on the way.
The Centurion’s Servant: In Matthew 8:13, a centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” The servant was healed at that very hour.
The Paralytic and His Friends: In Mark 2:3-12, a paralytic was brought to Jesus by his friends. Their faith was evident in their actions, and Jesus healed the man, saying, “Son, your sins are forgiven… Stand up, take your mat and go to your home.”
The Canaanite Woman: In Matthew 15:28, Jesus commended the faith of a Canaanite woman who sought healing for her daughter, saying, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” Her daughter was healed instantly.
These examples illustrate that faith was a crucial element for the miracles performed by Jesus. Conversely, in Nazareth, Jesus performed few miracles due to the people’s lack of faith (Mt 13:58; Mk 6:5-6).
Catholic Understanding of Miracles and Blessings
In Catholic tradition, miracles are seen not only as acts of physical healing but also as signs of God’s intervention in the world, confirming the teachings of Jesus and the presence of God’s kingdom. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines a miracle as “a sign or wonder such as a healing, or control of nature, which can only be attributed to divine power” (CCC 547-550).
Blessings, on the other hand, are special prayers or actions that invoke God’s grace. They can be invocative, asking for God’s favor, or constitutive, dedicating a person or object to a sacred purpose. Every baptized person is called to be a blessing and to bless others, with priests being the ordinary ministers of blessings due to their role in the Church.
REFLECTION
For Christians today, these biblical accounts and teachings highlight the importance of faith in our spiritual lives. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a trust in God’s power and goodness, demonstrated through persistent prayer and action. When we approach God with faith, we open ourselves to His blessings and miracles.
Jesus’ miracles remind us that God is actively involved in our lives and that nothing is impossible for those who believe. As we face challenges, we are called to maintain our faith, trusting that God can and will intervene in ways that surpass our understanding.
In our daily lives, let us cultivate a faith that seeks God’s presence and intervention, knowing that He is capable of transforming our situations. By doing so, we align ourselves with the divine will and become witnesses to the power of faith in bringing about God’s blessings and miracles.