Podcast Summary: "Miracles: The Bible vs. Today (What's Changed?)"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Producer: Ascension
- Description: Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
- Episode Title: Miracles: The Bible vs. Today (What's Changed?)
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
Introduction to the Topic
Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by addressing a common question posed by listeners: "How come it seems like in the Bible there are so many miracles happening all over the place, but God doesn't do miracles anymore?" [00:00]. He acknowledges the misconception that miracles were ubiquitous in biblical times and contrasts this with the perception that miracles are rare or nonexistent today.
Biblical Miracles: Context and Frequency
Fr. Mike delves into the occurrence of miracles in the Bible, providing approximate counts:
- Old Testament: Around 80 miracles
- New Testament: Between 38 to 80+ miracles, depending on definitions and counts [00:45].
He emphasizes that miracles are not present on every page but are significant and impactful when they do occur. Using Moses as an example, Fr. Mike explains that Moses experienced his first miraculous encounter with God at the age of 80, after decades of living as a shepherd and in Egypt. This illustrates that miracles were significant events rather than daily occurrences [01:15].
Notable Quote:
"There's miracles in abundance when it comes to Exodus. But when God first reveals himself to Moses... Moses is 80 before the first time we ever see God speaking to Moses in a miraculous way." [01:15]
Natural Revelation vs. Supernatural Revelation
Fr. Mike discusses the concept that God reveals Himself through nature long before He performs supernatural acts. This natural revelation is a foundation for understanding the existence and presence of God without constant miraculous signs [02:00].
The Existence of Miracles Today
Addressing the main question, Fr. Mike asserts that miracles do still happen today, though they may not be as frequently documented or visible as those in biblical narratives. He underscores that miracles are genuine but often require discernment to identify and verify.
Verification of Modern Miracles
Fr. Mike shares insights from his visit to Lourdes, a renowned site for miraculous healings:
- Thousands of Claimed Healings: Numerous individuals report healing from various ailments.
- Verification Process: Only about 70-71 miracles have been officially verified at Lourdes after thorough investigation by medical professionals. This process involves comparing medical records and ensuring no natural explanation exists [04:30].
Notable Quote:
"They have a whole team of medical professionals who say, okay, if this is a claimed healing... we have to look at the files... and then we have to investigate this more deeply to make sure... it's supernatural from the Lord." [06:00]
Theological Insights on the Nature of Miracles
Fr. Mike explores why God might choose to perform miracles selectively:
- Enhancing Faith: Miracles can strengthen believers' faith and trust in God.
- Avoiding Mercenary Relationships: God desires love and trust that are not contingent upon receiving miracles or favors [05:00].
- Preventing Dependency: Continuous miracles might lead individuals to seek God solely for miraculous interventions rather than developing a genuine relationship [05:45].
Notable Quote:
"If I don't get the miracle, it doesn't mean that God loves me less... God does those miracles to increase our faith." [05:15]
The Purpose Behind Withholding Miracles
Fr. Mike suggests that when miracles are withheld, it serves a greater purpose:
- Learning True Love: Without miracles, believers are encouraged to love God unconditionally, mirroring the love of parents who sometimes withhold gifts for their children's growth [06:15].
- Fostering Trust and Community Support: In the absence of personal miracles, the Church and fellow Christians can step in to provide support and assistance, embodying the presence of Christ through communal effort [06:50].
Notable Quote:
"Sometimes God withholds the gifts so we can learn to love the giver... it's an opportunity for us to trust." [06:30]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Fr. Mike concludes by affirming that miracles are real both in biblical times and today. However, their absence in certain situations serves as an invitation to deepen one's faith, trust in God's plan, and engage with the community to support one another.
Final Quote:
"Miracles did happen in the Bible. They do happen now, and sometimes they happen in your life and my life. But when they don't, it's an opportunity for us to trust." [07:00]
Upcoming Announcements
Before wrapping up, Fr. Mike announces the Parables Tour, encouraging listeners to join in exploring the Lord's teachings through parables, followed by a live Q&A session. He directs interested individuals to visit ascensionpress.com/fathermiketour for more information [07:33].
Overall, this episode provides a thoughtful exploration of the presence and purpose of miracles in both biblical times and the contemporary world, encouraging listeners to reflect on their faith and the nature of divine intervention.