A Modern Day Miracle

For quite some time I was content with believing that real miracles only happened in Biblical times. I thought Jesus in the Gospels and his Apostles in the Book of Acts performed miracles for the sole purpose of establishing the Early Church on a strong foundation. However, as I grew older and wiser I recognized that “little miracles” are happening all the time to many people, including myself.

In the New Testament, we see many miracles worked through Jesus and the Apostles; for example:

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock hour of prayer. And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called ‘the Beautiful Gate’ every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, (rise and) walk.’ Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up,” and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong (Acts 3: 1-7).

Recognize Miracles

Throughout history, to the present time, I know that many miracles, maybe only little miracles-but no less significant-have been achieved through other people. Christians and even non-Christians need to give Glory and Praise to God and pay attention to these little miracles which I’m sure happen more often than we realize. Sometimes God wants to use “other people” to reach out to us; this, I’m sure, is often the result of prayer, but always the result of God’s goodness and mercy.

The following story is a true and personal account of one such small “miracle” which occurred during the formative years of my conversion to Catholicism. Here, I present this story; I hope that you find it as meaningful as I did in realizing that God is always present and close to us.

My Miracle Story

Since my initiation into the church, my life took off in a different direction.  Some of the changes seemed spiritually insignificant at the time they occurred, but in retrospect the changes, because of the results, were enormous. Buying my first house was one significant change and another landmark on my spiritual journey.

The idea of buying the house I was renting just came to me softly and gently with a sense of purpose. At first, I ignored the idea, usually, an ignored idea just moves on and is soon forgotten. But this idea stayed like an uninvited friend. As I continued to work on the house, with a nail here and a stroke of paint there, the idea of being the owner began to greatly appeal to me. I started to pray about this and took it to Jesus in the tabernacle. The thought became stronger, so I adopted it.

Every day I carried this idea with me, wherever I went. Then I began to wonder, what is the value of an idea? Often it is the precursor to action, sometimes a catalyst, but what really matters is whether or not it is a good idea, and becoming the owner of my rental property was a great idea. That evening, during my reading of sacred scripture, I read in the words of Jesus:

Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours (Mark 11:24).

 It was as though I had a mantra printed on my forehead. Several people in town, along with the usual “good morning, hello and  how are you,” actually asked me if I planned to buy “the Jackson property.” I would simply respond with:  “Well, I’ve been thinking about.” Some would say in return, “I’ve heard that Jackson plans to put the house on the market, so if you’re interested, why delay ?” Of course, this type of conversation was difficult for me, a little bit painful.

Yes, I wanted to buy the house, but I really didn’t believe I could. The appraisal alone would cost one week’s wages and had to be done by a lawyer. Even though I had some money saved, my car needed work, I had to prepare for winter; That is, purchase firewood, and there were other pressing matters as well. My job situation complemented my pessimism; my parish employment was part-time and the priest always paid in cash–not much of paper trial there. Cutting down trees was good work when I could find it; I managed, but the competition was ever-present and I was alone without crew or equipment.

On an ordinary day sometimes extraordinary events occur. Such was a day in the middle of August when I went to the local lumber yard to purchase plywood to complete my current project. While there I struck up a conversation with another customer-friendliness is a common virtue in small towns. During the course of the conversation, we discovered that the house I was renting was the house he practically grew up in. “Could I see the house again, he asked ?” Not wanting to offend a close friend or relative of the owner, I responded, “Why not, and the house is close by.”

Not Enough Money

Approaching the house and during a brief tour, he seemed lost momentarily on a trip down memory lane. Then he said that he was impressed with the condition of the home and the repairs I had made. (it had been empty for a few years). “Thank you,” I said. “Are you renting or buying?” he asked. That’s when I mentioned that I’d like to buy the house, but first I had to save enough money for the appraisal, and by that time I’m sure the owners would have several other offers.

The next statement in our conversation was a turning point in my life. “I’m a lawyer; this house is special to me; I can see that you will take good care of it, and I’ll gladly give you a free appraisal.” I was elated and grateful to God for this turn of events. He gave me his business card, told me to pick up the appraisal in two days and he left. That day I knew the Lord was listening.

I was one step closer to my goal; the house was “on the market,” and the owner specified that I had thirty days to confirm my intent to purchase. I reread Mark 11:24 and started to think more optimistically. I organized the documentation I needed, appraisal, income verification, list of debts, etc, and went to the main Bank in the nearest city to submit my loan application.

Refused by the Bank

Within a week I received a letter from that bank. With an air of confidence and optimism, I opened that letter; disappointment hit me like a tsunami; the loan refused. Angry and confused I headed for the church to talk things over with the Boss, Jesus in the blessed sacrament. I stayed, prayed, and waited, I needed to work through my anger and disappointment. I had done everything I was supposed to do, yet the results were dismal.

Answered Prayer

Fr. Labec walked in and said, “good morning,” then he went into the sacristy. After a few minutes, I followed; I needed spiritual guidance, and I needed it then. His advice, as succinct as it was, has stayed with me all these years, and I have applied it on more than one occasion. “Take it to the top,” He said, “see the bank President, and remember you have steady employment as the parish manager.”

That same day I returned to the bank, spoke with the president, and walked away with a loan approval. I felt as though my guardian angel had gone before me, preparing my path; I felt grateful.