This week, we began reading Miracles, which is a lot less accessible than some of the other books we’ve been reading.  It approaches the concept of miracles from a philosophical standpoint, reasoning that miracles not only fit into our idea of nature, but that they are inherent to it.  I loved the connections drawn between nature and miracles.  Of course, nature is in itself a miracle, but there is so much symbolism built into the laws of nature. 

       For example, reincarnation plays a huge role in nature—Lewis gives the example of vegetables becoming seeds and buried into the ground, in a sense “dying” so that they may be “born” again.  But on a much grander scale, Christ died so we may live.  This beautiful concept is echoed in so many minute aspects of nature that we likely don’t connect it with the Resurrection.  But if we take notice, these tiny miracles all point to a bigger Miracle.

       Vicariousness is another connection to the divine.  Nature is filled with dependent relationships—we depend on animals for food, plants for oxygen, rain to quench our thirst.  Likewise, animals depend on other animals, plants depend on the sun, and the list goes on.  However, we are all dependent upon a higher source of life—Christ.  On our own, we would have nothing and we would be nothing.  This dependence is of a completely different magnitude than our dependence on cows for milk, but the concepts are definitely connected.  The examples we are given in nature all echo the miracle of the Atonement.

       I think sometimes we forget that nature is only a made-up system by the divine, it does not define reality—it is only a shadow of it.  Nature is inherently divine, but there is so much more beyond nature.  I loved what CS Lewis said about miracles “breaking” the rules of nature.  God is like an artist who can see the whole painting—He might break a few of the little rules that beginning artists wouldn’t dare break, but He plays by a higher set of rules that override the others.  That is what makes miracles not only possible, but essential to nature and to God’s design.