A MINER/MINOR MIRACLE???

This week all eyes were focused on the rescue of 33 miners in Chile. Actually though people have been watching and praying for these men for the past 60+ days. Watching, waiting, praying. It did not matter where you were from or what beliefs you held, the compassion that runs through all of humanity was in full view - a compassion that we somethings look long and hard to see in each other at times-it was there in the hearts and hopes of humankind. Who can forget the image of that first miner appearing and the sight of his young son bursting into tears as he saw his father! That same scene repeated again and again for approximately 24 hours as families were reunited. Gratitude expressed again and again to the rescuers and engineers but most of all to God who answered their prayers. All 33 returned safely-a miracle for sure!

Often today I hear people say there aren't any miracles anymore-that God has abandoned us - and yet, an event occurs that focuses our hearts and minds on the infinite goodness of God. This week it was the miracle of the miners-last year you will recall the miracle on the Hudson. Not minor events for sure but we need to open our awareness to the everyday, the minor miracles that do take place in our lives. I recall my mother talking about minor miracles every time we cleaned up the mess we had made with our toys without being asked but besides that there are those unexplained, unexpected interventions of God in our lives that we too often miss or explain away. When was the last miracle in your life? Nothing that would attract CNN to your door but just those little events where God's mercy, love and compassion are revealed. A time perhaps when you felt hopeless and hope walked into your life on the feet of a friend. Only you can answer for yourself. It is all about being open and being aware of God's active presence in our lives-allowing God to be God in your space and accepting that things do occur that cannot be explained any other way. Yes, the rescue of the miners was no minor miracle but I don't think any miracle is minor (sorry Mom) from the changing of the seasons, to the birth of a child, to the butterfly that lands on your shoulder just when you are missing someone you've lost. Miracles, those glimpses of God in our lives, surround us. Be open, be aware, BElieve!