How does the Church define a "miracle"?

[patshea1128]

How does the church define a “miracle”? Aren’t miracles nothing more than an occurence that has yet to be explained by science? I think Dupont has it right. Their motto is “the miracle of science”. Isn’t that what the Catholic church is really in pursuit of? The pursuit of miracles? The ultimate miracle being Jesus Christ? Isn’t science nothing more than the pursuit of truth, yet science must be guided by the church to ensure we reach the ultimate truth? Isn’t that the true mission of the Catholic Church? So many questions, and no answers?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Pat,

Miracles can never be explained by science. The object of science is the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Science does not have the tools to discern spiritual matters. If an occurrence can be explained by science, then it never was a true miracle.

For the Church a miracle is a discernible, divine act in the world, outside, above, or beyond the natural order of things, that manifests some aspect of God’s power and love.

Dupont exaggerates the possible accomplishments of science in its use of the word “miracle” just as a mother would say that it would be a miracle if her son kept his room tidy. In both cases, the word “miracle” is not being used literally.

The Church is not in pursuit of miracles. The Church is about communicating the good news of Jesus Christ and that He has redeemed the human race. The Church is not even in pursuit of Jesus Christ. It is His voice in the world.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.