Miracles

Miracles are signs worked by God — events that exceed the natural powers of created things and are worked by God alone or through the power he grants to his servants. They confirm divine revelation, authenticate the mission of Christ and his Church, and strengthen the faith of believers (CCC 156, 548).

What a Miracle Is

A miracle is a genuine departure from the ordinary course of nature — not merely something surprising or unusual, but an event that cannot be explained by natural causes and points to God as its author. The Church is careful in verifying miracles: the healing must be medically inexplicable, sudden, complete, and permanent (CCC 156).

The Miracles of Jesus

Jesus's miracles — healing the sick, raising the dead, multiplying loaves, calming the storm, walking on water — were signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into history. They were not merely acts of compassion but revelatory events: "The works that I do in my Father's name testify about me" (John 10:25). The greatest of all miracles is the Resurrection (CCC 547–550).

Miracles in the Church

The Church continues to recognize miracles as part of her ongoing life — particularly in the canonization process (where two verified miracles are required for most canonizations) and at approved Marian apparition sites like Lourdes, where thousands of healings have been scientifically investigated (CCC 828).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't God perform more obvious miracles to compel belief? God respects human freedom — he invites faith, he does not compel it. Miracles are signs that point to God, but even signs can be refused or explained away. The Gospels record that Jesus refused to perform miracles on demand as proofs (Matthew 12:38–39; CCC 548).