There are times when we may wonder why Jesus did not simply show Himself and His miracles to all who did not believe.
But then another question quickly comes to mind: Would people believe then?
When Jesus still walked the earth with His disciples, He did many miracles. He even brought a dead person back to life! Aside from this, He healed the blind and many who are sick. He multiplied bread to feed thousands. He stopped a storm. He turned water into wine!
But did everyone believe in Him? No! But these even made those who did not believe to become even more stubborn in their unbelief. They plotted for His death! Will not the same thing happen today as it did then?
There is a different miracle that is needed – the miracle of the heart. It is being open to God’s true kingdom, which is love. We may not see Jesus now, but God can grant us the gift of faith.
“If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.” – Luke 16:31
“If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say,’We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” – John 9:41
“It’s true that we can’t see God with our bodily eyes. But God becomes visible to us through faith. We can’t touch God with our hands, but we see Him clearly in each of his works. Believe me. I’m speaking to you sincerely: I used to believe it was impossible ever to fall in love with a God who is unseen; with someone who can’t be hugged and touched. But today, I can affirm with my hand over my heart, that God completely makes up for that sacrifice. You feel that love so much, and those caresses from Our Lord that is seems God is there by your side. I feel Him so intimately united to me, that I want nothing more, except the beatific vision in heaven. I feel I’m filled with God, and then I hold Him close to my heart and ask Him to make me experience the perfections of His love. There’s no separation between us. Wherever I go, God is with me in my poor heart. That’s the little house where I dwell; it’s my heaven here on earth. I live with God; and despite being on walks, we converse with each other without anyone being able to surprise us or interrupt us. If you knew Him enough, you would love Him. If you were with Him for one hour, you’d know just what heaven on earth is.” – St. Teresa of Jesus of the Andes
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"