Miracles

A miracle is defined as a perceptible event with no natural explanation that only divine omnipotence can bring about.

The purpose of miracles may be multiple:

• Miracles reinforce faith. Since only God can perform them, it is logical that the faith of those who know about the event increases.
• Miracles manifest divine love and providence, which cares for the spiritual life of his children.
• Frequently miracles cause an earthly good. For example, healings.

Some miracle is necessary to know that it is God who stands behind an affirmation or a command. However, an abundance of miracles is not necessary for faith, but is a sign of divine love.

Not always, since personal dispositions have a great influence. Let us recall that human freedom remains, and can reject faith even when miracles are seen. For example, the Pharisees acknowledge the miracles that Jesus performs and decide to kill him. Judas himself performed miracles and handed over the Lord. In the 20th century, the sun of Fatima danced in the sky before 70,000 people, but not all of them became saints. We can say that believers accept miracles and reactivate their faith. On the other hand, atheists deny miracles because their atheism prevents them from accepting them even when they are evident.

The best known miracles are gathered in the Bible, in the Old Testament and in the New, principally in the gospels. Our Lord Jesus Christ performed many healings, raised the dead, multiplied loaves, calmed storms, walked on water, rose from the dead...

Yes. And in abundance. For example:

• There are well-documented ancient miracles that remain valid today, as long as one honestly accepts the historical data. Included here are the miracles narrated in the gospels.
• There are well-accredited miracles in beatification cases. Every time the Church names a person a saint, it accepts that at least two miracles performed through their intercession have been verified. In these matters the Church is very careful.
• There are miracles that remain visible to anyone.

There are quite a few and it is easy to verify them, but this will not change faith or conduct unless one is a good man who seeks God sincerely. Let us select three miracles:

• Eucharistic miracles: Lanciano.
• Marian miracles: Guadalupe.
• Miracles of saints: Saint Januarius and Saint Pantaleon; Saint Nicholas.