The Apparitions and Miracles at Knock; also, the Official Depositions of the Eye-witnesses

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CHAPTER VIII.
MIRACLES.
In a brochure the size of the present issue no explanation of
miracles can be expected ; yet, it is well to state for the
general reader that the definition of miracles, as understood
by Catholics, requires that it be an extraordinary work or
operation opposed to the normal laws of nature, and per
formed either directly or indirectly by God. The work must
be unusual, for, if usual, although the effect of great power,
it is not considered a miracle. The movements of the planets
and of the earth, with their amazing velocities, are not
miracles, although they are a prodigious work. But to carry
a man in the air from this to New York in a minute would
be a miracle. The work must be opposed to the laws of
nature, either contrary to them or above their influence. It
is natural for fire to burn ; for a body heavier than water to
sink in it. If a body be not burned in the fire, like the three
companions of Daniel in the fiery furnace; and our blessed
Lord walking on the waters of the sea of Genesareth—that
is a miracle ; and it must be done by God's power either
directly, as the miracles performed by Christ ; or indirectly,
as those performed by Moses and the prophets in the name
of God, and by the apostles and their successors in the name
of Jesus. This definition excludes all works done by the
agency of the devil or his agents, all necromancers, sorcerers,
enchanters, who invoke his name. It is not necessary here
to tell what the laws of nature are ; it is quite enough to
know that it is a law in fire to burn ; in water to quench fire