We are the miracle of God

April 29, Friday of the Second Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 5: 34-42, Gospel: John 6:1-15

The first reading reminds us of how followers of false prophets will perish. The gospel affirms that many people also followed Jesus, and even today, his followers are spread throughout the world. They followed Jesus because of what he did; unconditional love that resulted in miracles.

When it comes to miracles, a Disney production called "Encanto" (2021) recently released a cartoon film. Every kid and even grandchildren in the Madrigal family had the gift of miracles, except for one of the granddaughters named Mirable.

Mirable, the only member of her family without gifts did not give up and worked hard to make her family proud. For her, each family member is more than their miracle-working ability. The wonder is not so much in what you get but what is there in each individual.

The readings remind us that God grants each one of us gifts, abilities, and talents. We are the miracle of God, and God is always present in our ordinary times. God expects us to work miracles around us with our abilities and talents. Miracles are not just extraordinary deeds but can even be everyday actions.

I recall my neighbor, a tiny kid, being instructed from an early age by his family to save every day in a piggy bank to purchase a new bicycle when he finished elementary school. The child cheerfully saves daily from his pocket money.

However, the reality turned otherwise; his father became sick and required surgery. He had health insurance and limited family resources. His mother was distraught. With honesty, the young child contributes his daily funds to his mother to use for his father's medical expenses throughout his recovery.

Likewise, God’s miracles happen daily for us and we need to be conscious of them. Moreover, we mirror God’s goodness to others daily through our words and deeds. We are God’s miracle. You and I are called to contribute to God’s miracles in and around us daily.