Miracles are something special.

The word miracle comes from the Latin words miraculum, meaning “a marvel,” and mirari, meaning “to wonder.” The New Testament uses three different Greek words to refer to Jesus’ miracles: teras, dynamis and semeion. Each of these words gives us a different insight into what a miracle is. Teras means “a marvel.” A miracle amazes us. It astonishes us. We don’t know what to make of it. Dynamis means “a power.” The word “dynamite” comes from this same word. A miracle is something explosive and powerful. Semeion means “a sign.” A miracle is like a flashing red light. The important thing is not the light but what it signifies. Similarly, the important thing about Jesus’ miracles is what he intended them to signify.

WHY DID JESUS WORK MIRACLES?

Jesus healed people because he felt compassion toward them, and because they pleaded with him to end their affliction. But he also worked miracles because they signified that he was the Messiah and he was bringing about the Reign of God. He worked miracles in order to invite others to believe in him and to become members of God’s heavenly realm.

DOES JESUS CONTINUE TO WORK MIRACLES?

Yes! Miracles are marvelous events or moments in which God’s saving power and holy presence are made known. We know from the Scriptures that certain marvelous, miraculous events or signs did occur during Jesus’ ministry, but it’s difficult to identify or prove in a scientific way just what happened during these events. Miracles were central to Jesus’ ministry and mission and they strengthened the faith of those who were witnesses to them. Some people dismiss the whole notion of biblical miracles, saying they didn’t really occur. Others interpret them fundamentally, saying they happened exactly as recorded in Scripture. Still others hold that it’s not important if they took place or not, for faith in God’s saving power and revelation, which miracle stories express, is what really counts.

The Church specifies that Jesus worked miracles, and that he still works them today. This has been believed since the beginning of the Church, and miracles have deepened the faith of believers ever since. The gospels indicate that miracles or signs were an essential part of proclaiming the Good News. Therefore, it stands to reason, they must still be an essential part today. Of course the greatest miracle of all was the Resurrection of Christ from the dead. But there are many other signs of God’s presence and power in our everyday lives that continue to deepen our faith. We can see them if we believe it’s possible.