“Miracles are like meatballs, because nobody can exactly agree on what they are made of, where they come from, or how often they should appear. Some people say that a sunrise is a miracle, because it is somewhat mysterious and often very beautiful, but other people say it is simply a fact of life, because it happens every day and far too early in the morning. Some people say that a telephone is a miracle, because it sometimes seems wondrous that you can talk with somebody who is thousands of miles away, and other people say it is merely a manufactured device fashioned out of metal parts, electronic circuitry, and wires that are very easily cut. And some people say that sneaking out of a hotel is a miracle, particularly if the lobby is swarming with policemen, and other people say it is simply a fact of life, because it happens every day and far too early in the morning. So you might think that there are so many miracles in the world that you can scarcely count them, or that there are so few that they are scarcely worth mentioning, depending on whether you spend your mornings gazing at a beautiful sunset or lowering yourself into a back alley with a rope made of matching towels.” - Lemony Snicket (as cited in Quotes about Miracles).
Throughout history, man has pondered and studied the typical movement and progression of events in time and space. From these observations scientists have determined the basic laws of nature and have come to rely on them as the means to define the natural and measurable cycles of life on Earth. People often refer to the “miracles” of modern medicine when they reflect on the amazing advances that have been made in technology and science. Many times, however, people observe an incident that cannot be proven by science because the known and explicable boundaries of nature have been surpassed. These, too, are referred to as miracles. No known science can elucidate their existence. It is when these established limitations are surpassed that the suggestion of something being an authentic and religious miracle begins. So, what exactly is a miracle and how is it differentiated from other everyday, yet extraordinary seeming events?
The word "miracle" comes from the Latin word for wonder. It means "a sight to behold”. The term miracle is most often used to suggest something phenomenal and incredible. From a religious point of view, a miracle is a word used to describe a supernatural event designed for the betterment of a person, which is believed to have a divine origin. To the devout, the most distinctive feature of a miracle is that it is considered God’s direct intervention in the world. A miracle is a mystical sign given by God, signifying His glory and the salvation of mankind. As a sign, a miracle must be apparent to the senses. Miracles are a call to faith (“RECENT ARTICLES”).
The Roman Catholic Church recognizes over 10,000 saints, each of...
