Fr. Jarosław Głodek, O.P.’s Homily for Tuesday, 23 July

There are two kinds of miracles. First kind is all powerful, and “gloriously triumphant” miracles, like in the book of Exodus, when God saved his people. And the second kind of miracles is that of silence, intimacy, when God changes something in internal, immanent way, changing the relations between persons rather than rules of nature. It is that second kind of miracle that seems to be Gods favorite. Look at the Gospel: Simple words, calling us his family. The Family of God! Could there be something more miraculous and beautiful? You only say “You are my family now” when you get married, or change your life by entering religious community. “You are my family” it is a confession of love and devotion, and promise for the future, for better or worse. Being a family, it is a promise of unconditional love, forever.

And of course, changing water into wine for instance, seems to be much more spectacular, then calling someone “brother” or “sister”. But is it equally miraculous to change a stranger, or even a foe, into a friend and a brother, to make him or her a family? Look at St. Paul. When Saul felt down from the horse and then he came to Ananias, Ananias say to him “Saul, my brother” and he call him brother before Saul prove that he is worthy of trust. (Acts 9, 17) And that word: “a brother” opens his eyes. It is true miracle. That word has a power of creating new person, new relation!

I asked myself recently, do I really feel that I am a family of Jesus? And I remember, when I was teenager, 40-ty years ago, I always dreamed about the original blue jeans, and not only pants, but also a jeans jacket. It was a time of Communism in Poland, and they would cost monthly salary back then, so I’ve never got it. So last year, walking in the Mall, suddenly I saw the jacket, exactly like I wanted 40 years ago, except I did not need it now. But I noticed that it is a sale, 50% off. So, I could not resist such a sign from God. Come on! 20 bucks! And I got it. Coming back to the priory I begun to feel kind of stupid for getting something that I don’t really need., but then, during common prayers I heard the reading: “None of your dreams will ever be forgotten, says the Lord” I don’t remember where that readings is from, but I like to think of it as my private miracle, a true sign from God, something that is not very supernatural, and does not change much, but it gives me a sense of God’s presence and unconditional love. I like to keep it in my memory.

Ultimately it is what a family is all about, it is not what we achieve, or how productive we are, but it is about the active presence, signs of love, true participation in the life of God and the others.

And those little signs simply tell us: you are important to me, your presence is appreciated, I need you. Could there be something more beautiful in our life to hear those words from God and from other people, brothers or sisters? Let us ask the Lord, to help us be free enough to recognize and accept the sign of his love. Amen.