The Gospel readings for the past few Sundays, and those soon to come, are a treasury of the miracles of Jesus! “Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back”; I know most of you are familiar with that quote. Well, curiosity got the best of me and although I know what I think a miracle is, I wanted to see what Webster’s Dictionary had to say about it.
Of the several definitions given, I like this one the best: “a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences.” I think we may be more familiar with the definition that includes defying natural and scientific laws. With this in mind, I am not sure that I have witnessed a miracle that defies the scientific laws of nature, but I have experienced the first definition I have given you: “highly improbable… brings very welcome consequences”.
Think about it. Haven’t you experienced an unexpected event that brought you joy, resulting in you saying, ‘this is a miracle!’? I am learning not to look for the big spectacular happenings (miracles), as they seldom come about in our lives, but to rejoice and celebrate the little miracles that happen each day. What about a relationship that has been on the outs and suddenly seems to mend itself? How about a family or work situation that seems to fix itself? What about a call or letter that comes unexpectedly, on a day you could really use a pick me up?
To recognize these miracles, one must really be aware of what is happening in the present moment, and celebrate each moment’s arrival. It is important to celebrate the good happening for us and the good fortune of others. Why is it so hard to see the good? Sometimes I think we can get into a rut and somehow negative things seem easier to express. Still haven’t figured this out. For me. I know that I need to surround myself with positive people who encourage me to look at things with a positive outlook. There was a practice I learned years ago from Sarah Ban Breathnach in her book Simple Abundance. We were to create a Gratitude Journal and write down five items (miracles) that happened to us each day. It is amazing that when you start looking for them, the miracles are there!
So, do you believe in miracles? I sure do – and they don’t have to be spectacular! When you start to add up those little miracles, they can be considerably large when put together. Look carefully at the miracles happening in your life and then challenge yourself to recognize them as just that: miracles. Also listen to the miracles of Jesus we hear about, and see if Jesus isn’t working miracles in your life.
Till next week,
Sister T
PS: While writing this I called a friend and in sharing the reflection she said, “You are not going to believe this, I just found my gratitude journal and was reading the things I wrote realizing how happy I was and how many miracles happened.” Believe me, there are NO coincidences. But there are MIRACLES!
Pictured: Sr. Joyce Baritski with the miracle of summer flowers.
