“No person of reason, no thinker, has ever performed miracles, not even among the saints. He does divine works whosoever surrenders to God.”
These words, spoken by our Lord in the private revelations that inspired the Surrender Novena, remind us of a fundamental truth: faith is not merely an intellectual exercise.
Yes, reason has its place. Studying theology, understanding Church teachings, and deepening our knowledge of Scripture are all valuable. But knowledge alone does not transform hearts or move mountains—surrender does.
There’s a difference between studying the Bible and praying with the Bible. One engages the mind; the other opens the soul.
This truth echoes in Jesus’ response when His family comes looking for Him in Mark 3:
“Who are my mother and [my] brothers? … For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:33, 35)
Jesus doesn’t dismiss family ties, but He reveals something deeper: belonging to Him is not about lineage or intellect but about faith expressed in obedience.
Reason can guide us to God, but only trustful surrender allows Him to work through us. The saints were not known for their brilliance alone but for their radical dependence on Him.
So the question is, are we holding onto control, relying only on our own understanding? Or are we willing to surrender, to let go, and let God perform His divine works in us?