Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth. The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.( Is 65:17-18)
God is good all the time.
The Lord said to us in the gospel:
unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe. Jesus’ comment is an invitation to examine the basic assumption of our personal beliefs as Christians. John mentions Jesus’ awareness of the failure of his native folks to honor and receive him. The reason, as we learn elsewhere, is that they knew his family. Then there were people from Galilee and Cana who believed him because they had seen Jesus perform miracles.
However, we notice a different kind of belief in Jesus in the royal official who came to Jesus for help; his was pure and sincere faith entirely placed in Jesus based on trust. Such faith is also what the Lord looks for in us to make a difference in our lives.
When Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe," he
responded,
"Sir, come down before my child dies." And when Jesus asked him to go because his child will live, he unequivocally left the presence of Jesus knowing that the child will live at the word of Jesus.
Notice here that it does not matter how we come to know Jesus-- some are cradle Catholics; others join the church by conversion or marriage to follow Jesus. Following Jesus should mean one thing for all: love him above everything and obey his commands. This love and obedience for its own sake as the taken-for-granted approach to following Jesus lead some away from the faith because of other conditions they attach to discipleship.
Let us put aside any transactional understanding we carry in following Jesus. Let us walk in his footsteps and place no conditions on him; for he loved and saved us first with no conditions. And we shall possess all good things that will make our hearts joyful and order our days to happiness if we just love God and follow his command. For he says, “I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight."
We have his promise. And indeed, because the Lord delights in us, he will take care of us and secure what supports his love and good plans for us. Therefore, even when his actions do not meet our expectations, let us trust him for it. Let us learn to say, “Oh Lord, I believe in your love;” for “ I do love you,” and “I will follow you.” Amen.