There are no miracles in the Gospel of John. Well, at least he does not call them as such. John seems to assiduously avoid calling them miracles, preferring to call them “signs.” In fact the first part of the Gospel of John is called the “Book of Signs” – and there are seven.
- Changing water into wine in John 2:1-11
- Healing the royal official’s son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54
- Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-18
- Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14
- Jesus’ walk on water in John 6:16-24
- Healing the man born blind in John 9:1-7
- Raising of Lazarus in John 11:1-45
Each sign is meant, not only to grab your attention, but to serve as a pointer, not that which has just transpired, but to the person of Jesus. The signs also serve to point to a choice.
That has been the motif in the Gospel of John all along. At the end of the first sign, the words of the Blessed Virgin Mother in the story from Cana make it evident. Her last words in the Gospel of John are the clearest and most poignant sign: “This is my son, do what he tells you.” She points to the person of Jesus and points to the choice each will have to make: do what he tells you. Every disciples, every reader, each one who hears this Book of Signs is brought to that moment where choices are made to follow, or not, the one who is the Living Word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ. Continue reading
When asked “What was the first movie that Kevin Costner appeared in?” The average fan of things “celluloid” often responds “No Way Out.” Certainly that was a movie that brought him into the limelight, established his leading man status, and led to his career in many other memorable films. The actual answer is the 1982 Ron Howard film “Night Shift.” He is listed in the credits as ‘Frat Boy No. 1’ and appears at the climax of a frat-style, over-the-top party playing out in a New York City morgue. When the music is suddenly stopped by a frantic Henry Winkler, Costner can be seen holding a beer and looking surprised at the sudden halt of celebration. He has no speaking role, but he appears. (and one might argue “Sizzle Beach, USA” is the real answers, but it was released in 1986 and thus Costner did not “appear” until then) 
