Mark A. McNeil – Catholic Answers Article –
With today’s celebration of the centenary of Pope St. John Paul II’s birth, some are revisiting the miracles that led to his canonization. A passionate champion of the Blessed Mother and the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Lourdes, the Polish pope would no doubt have been pleased that a seventieth miracle at Lourdes was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 2018.
Jesus’ miracles revealed truths that were life-changing to those who saw or heard about them. The lame man lowered through the roof into Jesus’ presence is a great example (Mark 2:1-12). Jesus asked his critics, “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk?’” It is harder to say “take up your pallet and walk” since observers will quickly know whether one really has the power to heal another person’s ailments. It is hard to stand before a crowd of people and declare, “I can lift 5,000 pounds with my bare hands!” My audience might actually expect me to do it! If Jesus can do the thing that is harder to say, it follows that we are on good ground believing that he is able to do the thing that is easier to say.
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you, Rise, take up your pallet, and go home.” This healing highlighted Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Those who saw the miracle were challenged to recognize Jesus as the divine source of forgiveness.
… If God heals you, give him thanks and praise. If he doesn’t, worship him anyway. Soon enough, God will bring total healing when the redemption for which all creation groans finally appears (Romans 8:22-24).