Expert: Fr. Michael - 6/23/2006

Question
I am interested about miracles.
I believe miracles can happen today and many people troughout their lives have seen them or heard of them
My question is:
Are there rules about who can receive a miracle?
Do you have to ask for it or it is something granted?
Who gives the gift of a miracle? God, Jesus, the holy Spirit, Mary, the Saints, all of them can give it?

Thanks,

Carlos

Answer
       One must be very cautious about "miracles."  Our Lord Himself warned us that false "miracles" can be used by Satan to deceive:  "For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect (Matthew 24:24/DRV).

       In place of Catholic and Apostolic teaching and practice, to presume to find a new basis of faith outside Scripture and Traditional, "signs and wonders," as it were, is a grave error.  We must be very cautious indeed about these things, since Sacred Scripture warns us again and again about the fact that wonders may be of the Devil, not of God.