What defines a miracle and how do we recognize one?

What defines a miracle and how do we recognize one?

Commentary by Walter Hesford | FāVS News

What is a miracle? How would you define it? Have you experienced a miracle lately?

These questions arose for me when I read Henry David Thoreau’s journal for Dec. 11, 1855. While standing in a bare landscape, Thoreau is “reminded of the incredible phenomenon of small birds in winter.” Further reflection prompts him to declare that he lives in an “age of miracles” since he lives amidst wonderful natural phenomenon: “Now it is wild apples, now river reflections, now a flock of lesser redpolls.”

In Thoreau’s day as in ours, there were those who thought that the age of miracles was long past and who asserted that the word “miracle” should be reserved for extraordinary supernatural events such as those found in the Bible.

During this Advent and Christmas season, Christians celebrate several beautiful miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus such as an angel announcing to Mary that that she would give birth to a child who would be called the son of God (Luke 1:35), an angel announcing to shepherds that a Messiah has been born, a child lying in a manger (Luke 2: 9-11), and a star appearing to wise men from the east leading them to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born (Matthew 2:1-11). 

These miracles called for faith within those in the gospel stories. These stories now may evoke skepticism in some, wonder in others.

Something one wonders at and smiles

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, “miracle” derives from Latin mirari, to wonder at, and mirus, wonderful. Its Indo-European root smei- is also the root for “smile.”

From this perspective, a miracle may be whatever causes us to wonder or to smile! So a miracle might be the birth of a grandchild as well as the birth of Jesus, a star that appears nightly in the sky overhead as well as a star hovering over Bethlehem.

Skeptics might challenge the wonder created by natural as well as supernatural phenomena. It’s always easy to say “So what?” This attitude may be dangerous. Unless we find miraculous and care deeply for the natural world, will we take measures to preserve it?

Science is sometimes thought to be hostile to the miraculous, offering rational explanations for what had been considered inexplicably wondrous. Yet great scientists never cease to wonder at the workings of nature. Their discoveries give us more grounds for caring for the world and are themselves miraculous. 

We should also look for and celebrate moral miracles, including compassionate deeds that testify to open hearts and minds, which are prone to be closed. And then there are miracles created by those who sacrifice themselves to challenging social norms that lock us in oppressive conditions. How fitting that we have a national holiday commemorating someone who took extraordinary measures to liberate us from these conditions: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Experiencing the extraordinary

“Have you ever experienced anything really extraordinary?,” asks a friend who holds on to a traditional view of what a miracle should be. “Elinor agreeing to marry me,” I immediately respond. She knew I was a self-absorbed guy who’d rather read a book than fix a leaky faucet. Yet she agreed. Amazing what love and trust can overcome.

Finally, let’s appreciate the wondrous work of musicians, writers and artists. They call us to attend deeply to life, and nurture the life within us. They may bring us together, encourage us to sing in harmony, miraculous when it happens. And let’s praise formats like FāVS News, which enables a diversity of voices to share news and opinions, helping us learn from each other in a supportive environment.

This makes me smile.

The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.