Thursday of Week 12 – Gen 16:1-12,15-16; Matthew 7:21-29
Many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?” And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
What chilling words these are. They remind us of an inescapable truth: salvation is not guaranteed even for the prophet, the healer, or the miracle-worker. Our Lord Himself warned that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Holiness cannot be reduced to signs and wonders, nor can this be the assurance of your standing before God. Even a man who casts out demons through the power of the Divine Name, whose prayers for deliverance are answered in miraculous ways, can still hear the words, “Depart from Me.”
Who, then, can be saved?
Yet, these words – fearsome as they appear – sparkle with hope for those who listen deeply. They reveal a breathtaking truth: you do not need to be perfect for God’s grace to work wonders in and through your life. Miracles are not reserved for the flawless; they are the evidence of a God who listens, who acts, who reaches into His creation for the good of His people. The Spirit moves where it wills, and God can use anyone, even the least likely vessel. Recall how the donkey recognised the saint before the prophet did – a strange paradox that displays the freedom and unpredictability of divine intervention.
God’s gifts are not given as badges of personal holiness or status. A charism – a spiritual grace – is never bestowed for the benefit or glory of the one who receives it. It is a gift for the community, a call to serve, a tool for the building up of others. There is no merit to be found in admiring the miracle-worker, nor in admiring oneself when blessed with extraordinary gifts. For every act of power, every display of might, let the glory return to the One who reveals Himself through human hands. Praise the One who chooses our littleness to show His greatness.
Confidence in this truth will transform the way you see yourself and others. Do not seek miracles as proof of piety, nor envy those through whom wonders are wrought. Seek instead the path of humility, service, and love. For it is not the magnitude of the signs that matters, but the orientation of your heart towards the Father. Be confident in Him, not in miracles. Listen for His voice, follow His commands, and give everything for His glory.
For in the end, righteousness begins not with signs and wonders but with a heart that belongs wholly to God. Let that be your miracle. Let that be your salvation.