Miracles
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle B
Some people have spent countless hours trying to explain how Jesus could possibly have fed 5,000 men, their wives, and their children -- possibly 25,000 people! -- with only two fish and five loaves of bread. Some have used physics calculations. Some have used the theory of good-neighborliness as each person shared what he had. Some people feel it is not possible or true. What do you believe?
In our Christian faith, we read about things that we cannot possibly understand. People have argued that the Sea of Reeds, which Moses passed through, was actually a trickle of water in the sand. Some people regularly discount miracles in the Bible because they are not explainable in everyday terms. They are mysteries.
Oh, but is it so bad to have mysteries? God's power can accomplish more than we can possibly imagine. God does not mind if we appreciate miracles without trying to figure out the mechanics or possibilities. Some things are too awesome to explain away.
Consider one modern-day miracle. How could a body that was made to carry one, possibly two babies, carry seven? The McCaughey septuplets made history when they were born in Iowa on November 19, 1997. Bobbi and Kenneth McCaughey, who had an infant daughter, became parents again that day -- seven times over -- surrounded by controversy and anger, celebration and joy. America's first living septuplets are not only living, but also they made it to their first birthday healthy and will be with us many, many years to come.
Barring any conversations of ethics, can the birth of the McCaugheys be considered a miracle? It's not easily explained. The septuplets' doctors both say it was a miracle. And is it so bad for our faith journey to consider miracles in our world today?
Consider miracles for what they are: God's signs of unlimited power beyond our imagination or rationale. Mysteries to behold and strengthen our faith. Thank God that miracles still happen!
In our Christian faith, we read about things that we cannot possibly understand. People have argued that the Sea of Reeds, which Moses passed through, was actually a trickle of water in the sand. Some people regularly discount miracles in the Bible because they are not explainable in everyday terms. They are mysteries.
Oh, but is it so bad to have mysteries? God's power can accomplish more than we can possibly imagine. God does not mind if we appreciate miracles without trying to figure out the mechanics or possibilities. Some things are too awesome to explain away.
Consider one modern-day miracle. How could a body that was made to carry one, possibly two babies, carry seven? The McCaughey septuplets made history when they were born in Iowa on November 19, 1997. Bobbi and Kenneth McCaughey, who had an infant daughter, became parents again that day -- seven times over -- surrounded by controversy and anger, celebration and joy. America's first living septuplets are not only living, but also they made it to their first birthday healthy and will be with us many, many years to come.
Barring any conversations of ethics, can the birth of the McCaugheys be considered a miracle? It's not easily explained. The septuplets' doctors both say it was a miracle. And is it so bad for our faith journey to consider miracles in our world today?
Consider miracles for what they are: God's signs of unlimited power beyond our imagination or rationale. Mysteries to behold and strengthen our faith. Thank God that miracles still happen!
