One, True, Church, miracles?

[fisherman_carl]

I had some questions posed to me that I am not sure how to answer. Someone asked me if the Catholic Church is the one true Church then how come there have been powerful miracles that happen in other churches, like at Azuza Street, for instance? Wouldn’t it be better if God just did all the miracles only in the Catholic Church so that the people would know it is the one, true, Church? And how come the bishops who are supposed to be the living apostles, we don’t see do them doing the same kind of miracles that the apostles did in the bible?

 

[benidict]

I had some questions posed to me that I am not sure how to answer. Someone asked me if the Catholic Church is the one true Church then how come there have been powerful miracles that happen in other churches, like at Azuza Street, for instance? Wouldn’t it be better if God just did all the miracles only in the Catholic Church so that the people would know it is the one, true, Church? And how come the bishops who are supposed to be the living apostles, we don’t see do them doing the same kind of miracles that the apostles did in the bible?

hello my friend. what was the background of the person asking you the questions? Peace

 

[fisherman_carl]

hello my friend. what was the background of the person asking you the questions? Peace

Catholic. He does believe in the Catholic Church as Christ’s Church. But is puzzled as to why God would allow non-Catholics to have miracles.

 

[anns82]

I had some questions posed to me that I am not sure how to answer. Someone asked me if the Catholic Church is the one true Church then how come there have been powerful miracles that happen in other churches, like at Azuza Street, for instance? Wouldn’t it be better if God just did all the miracles only in the Catholic Church so that the people would know it is the one, true, Church? And how come the bishops who are supposed to be the living apostles, we don’t see do them doing the same kind of miracles that the apostles did in the bible?

God is not limited to doing miracles only in one church. I think a good thing to remember is that while other churches and religions have elements of the Truth, Catholics believe that the Catholic Church has the fullness of the Truth. With that, it would be ridiculous to believed that good can only come from the Catholic.

People know it is God’s Church through faith an reason. The historical evidence itself is something other churches do not have, and learning the philosophical and theological basis for the doctrines presented in the faith show the role of both reason and divine revelation. The Church does not bend to the whims of modern society. It holds to the Truth which God has presented. Simply believing based on miracles is in the same league as believing through human tests of God.

There have been saints who have been blessed with special graces, but it is important to remember that God works through individuals. While the priests have the unique role of “personae Christi,” which enables them to release or bind sins, and consecrate the Eucharist, a person suddenly being able to speak in tongues with ordination would be a bit peculiar. There would probably be more people applying for the priesthood, but it would be harder to discern if they were doing it for the right reason, or just for the magic gifts that come with the job. Miracles/“magic” occurs through means other than God too.

 

[anns82]

Also, see Luke 9: 49-50

the disciples tell Jesus there is someone casting out demons in His name and Jesus says “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you”

God decides who he want to give gifts to

 

[JRKH]

I had some questions posed to me that I am not sure how to answer. Someone asked me if the Catholic Church is the one true Church then how come there have been powerful miracles that happen in other churches, like at Azuza Street, for instance? Wouldn’t it be better if God just did all the miracles only in the Catholic Church so that the people would know it is the one, true, Church? And how come the bishops who are supposed to be the living apostles, we don’t see do them doing the same kind of miracles that the apostles did in the bible?

Your friend has asked a very complex question. One that is not easily answered.

The Church, as an institution, serves many purposes and has many miracles attributed to both clergy and laypeople.
Miracles are granted by God, to whom He will and when He wills. Often times the ones gifted with miracles, visions etc. are the least likely. I believe this has to do with the right mix of holiness, simplicity of faith, true humility, and circumstances. One cannot easily quantify these things.

Perhaps the reason that we don’t see the same kind of miracles from our bishops today is that Bishops perform a very different function in today’s church - AND the Church is very different from the church of the Apostles time. Today’s bishops are much more administrators and are dealing with many complex issues and details. This does not mean they are not holy men, but only that they, and their minds, are more “busy” with details and schedules etc.
Of course in this I am speaking primarily form the perspective of the Church in the “developed world”, it may be somewhat different in other areas.

In the end God will work through those whom He chooses. All we can do is to try to be as open to His working in us as we can be.

Hope some of this helps.

Peace
James

 

[Sam_777]

We should also remember (Matthew 24:23-25):

*“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.”
*