Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Frater Jonathan Letada SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Saturday 18th Week in Ordinary Time
There are many miracles happening in our lives. Some are extraordinary, others seemingly ordinary. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God performs miracles every moment of our lives. But miracles happen only if we have faith and compassion.
Faith means recognizing our helplessness and trusting in the power of God acting through Jesus. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). When we acknowledge our weakness, we open ourselves to God’s life-giving and healing love, allowing His power to work within us.
What moved Jesus to heal the epileptic boy? It was His compassionate love. “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
Compassion means “to suffer with others.” It is the capacity to be drawn to the fragility, weakness, and suffering of another. Jesus is not only moved by our physical pain but also by our inner struggles—our thirst for peace, hunger for love and acceptance, and yearning for a meaningful life. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Indeed, if we have faith, miracles will happen. If we have compassion, miracles will happen. Faith opens us to God’s power; compassion moves us to share His love. Together, they transform ordinary moments into extraordinary encounters with God.
“Lord, increase my faith and deepen my compassion. Help me to trust in Your power and to be moved by the suffering of others. May my life become a channel of Your miracles, both ordinary and extraordinary.”
