Webster’s defines a miracle as “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs” or, more simply put, an event so incredible that it can only be attributed to God.
There are numerous examples of miracles that occurred in the Bible. Jesus seemed to be routinely performing them throughout his life. He turned water into wine, caused loaves of bread and fish to multiply, and walked on water. Not to mention the most incredible of all miracles, the Resurrection. Yet, these stories are far removed from our everyday lives. Do real miracles actually occur in our current day and age? And if so, why aren’t they as well known as those during Biblical times?
A quick internet search for miracles today brings up a myriad of results, a few of which stand out. The Stigmata refers to the five Holy Wounds that have appeared to be inflicted on several saints and highly religious people throughout history. These wounds mimic the injuries caused to Jesus during the crucifixion, namely the nail marks on the wrists and feet, the side wound from the sword, and sometimes the injuries caused by the crown of thorns, scourging, and weight of the cross on the shoulder, often accompanied by pain. The wounds don’t heal, even with medical treatment, yet they’ve been reported to give off a pleasant odor. While many believe that there is some scientific or biological explanation for these wounds, their origin can not be determined. Some even say that these highly charismatic people experiencing the stigmata simply somehow inflict these injuries on themselves, or have such sympathy with the suffering of Christ that they begin to imagine the feeling of pain. Or could it be that these people, these devout followers of Christ, are actually displaying his final wounds as a sign of respect and pity for His suffering?
Several statues and paintings, particularly those of Mary, have been reported to weep blood or sometimes perfumed oils. The Church has ruled many a hoax, however, others still remain unexplained. Could these pieces of art work actually be reflecting Mary’s sorrow for current tragedies or the lack of peace in our world?
As recently as 1917, a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal. Thousands flocked to see the apparition, and were in awe as they were able to stare directly into the sun and watch it transform and “dance” before their eyes. With the appearance of Mary came a warning and request to heed her requests for prayer and penance or face horrible punishments in the form of war and other disastrous occurrences. Could these three small children and 70,000 others have fabricated or imagined the things that they described?
Are miracles really that rare today, or is it more likely that we are quick to dismiss them with a scientific explanation or label them as “fake”? In my opinion, we’re surrounded by miraculous events, big and small. Maybe we’re just too preoccupied and untrusting to believe in them.
There are numerous examples of miracles that occurred in the Bible. Jesus seemed to be routinely performing them throughout his life. He turned water into wine, caused loaves of bread and fish to multiply, and walked on water. Not to mention the most incredible of all miracles, the Resurrection. Yet, these stories are far removed from our everyday lives. Do real miracles actually occur in our current day and age? And if so, why aren’t they as well known as those during Biblical times?
A quick internet search for miracles today brings up a myriad of results, a few of which stand out. The Stigmata refers to the five Holy Wounds that have appeared to be inflicted on several saints and highly religious people throughout history. These wounds mimic the injuries caused to Jesus during the crucifixion, namely the nail marks on the wrists and feet, the side wound from the sword, and sometimes the injuries caused by the crown of thorns, scourging, and weight of the cross on the shoulder, often accompanied by pain. The wounds don’t heal, even with medical treatment, yet they’ve been reported to give off a pleasant odor. While many believe that there is some scientific or biological explanation for these wounds, their origin can not be determined. Some even say that these highly charismatic people experiencing the stigmata simply somehow inflict these injuries on themselves, or have such sympathy with the suffering of Christ that they begin to imagine the feeling of pain. Or could it be that these people, these devout followers of Christ, are actually displaying his final wounds as a sign of respect and pity for His suffering?
Several statues and paintings, particularly those of Mary, have been reported to weep blood or sometimes perfumed oils. The Church has ruled many a hoax, however, others still remain unexplained. Could these pieces of art work actually be reflecting Mary’s sorrow for current tragedies or the lack of peace in our world?
As recently as 1917, a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal. Thousands flocked to see the apparition, and were in awe as they were able to stare directly into the sun and watch it transform and “dance” before their eyes. With the appearance of Mary came a warning and request to heed her requests for prayer and penance or face horrible punishments in the form of war and other disastrous occurrences. Could these three small children and 70,000 others have fabricated or imagined the things that they described?
Are miracles really that rare today, or is it more likely that we are quick to dismiss them with a scientific explanation or label them as “fake”? In my opinion, we’re surrounded by miraculous events, big and small. Maybe we’re just too preoccupied and untrusting to believe in them.
