A friend told my husband that we had changed.

He didn’t say it as though it was a good thing. Since my conversion we had become "too religious." I think he meant it as a jab, but it was a confirmation. How could coming into the fullness of the faith not change us? I know I am a Jesus Freak, and I love that. I more than embrace the stereotype. I strive to be worthy of the association.

And yet there are times when I fail to recognize the miracles, the answered prayers, the presence of God in my midst. I pass things off as coincidence. I try not to read too deeply into things. I fail to fully understand or appreciate the miracle of the Mass and the beauty of the Sacraments.

Jesus Himself performed mighty deed and was still met by unbelief and lukewarm attitude of some who witnessed the miracles. And the fact that Matthew states is still true today, if the mighty deeds had been done elsewhere we would believe them (Matthew 11:23). But when we witness the little miracles and big graces in our own lives, we tend to reject the reality of what is happening. Doubt, confusion, disbelief, skepticism, they are all the response of a bitter and jaded people.

At times those adjectives describe me as well. Sometimes I don’t fully appreciated the active role that the Holy Spirit is playing in my daily life. I can fail even to recognize the role of the Holy Spirit.

We know that the Lord does mighty deeds each day. Strive to recognize and embrace the mighty deeds done in your midst this week and allow them to give you hope for the future. Hope changes our outlook and gives us a new understanding of how grace operates in our daily life.

"If you hear his voice today, harden not your hearts" (Psalm 95:8). Turn to the Lord with thanksgiving and in full expectation that He will continue to perform wondrous deeds for you.

[bctt tweet="Turn to the Lord. // @maryruthhackett" username="blessedisshe__"]

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