Dear Catholic Exchange:
When is it faith to claim a miracle in Jesus' name — and when does it become presumption, manipulating God?
My friend has “claimed” an answer to prayer and is expecting “a miracle” on July 20. She has been living a “monastic” lifestyle for a month… constant prayer, denial, fasting, no TV, 3 to 4 Bible Studies a week, etc. Is this “FAITH” or is it “putting God to the test”?
Thank you,
E. Benet
Dear Mrs. Benet,
Generally speaking, it is certainly possible that God will act in a miraculous way in the lives of ordinary people. The history of the Church, especially in regards to the lives of the saints, is full of examples of miracles. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the Lord sometimes gives “special graces” to His faithful, which can include the gift of miracles. When this is done, it is always done in order to build up the Church (Catechism, no. 2003).
Discernment is necessary on the part of the individual to ascertain whether such expectation is an exercise in hope and faith or whether it falls under the sin of presumption. For more information on the virtues of hope and faith, as well as a discussion of presumption, use the following hyperlinks to read our Faith Facts on Hope: A Pilgrim's Virtue and The Theological Virtue of Faith. You may also view these by going to the Faith Facts section of our website.
The Catechism gives three elements to consider in determining the morality of a specific act: the object chosen, the intention of the individual, and the consequences of the act (Catechism, nos. 1750-1754). It may be possible for an outsider to judge the morality of the object chosen or the consequences of the act, but the intention resides in the subject or individual. In this case, one might look at the object chosen (your friend living a “monastic” lifestyle) and the consequences (what this has done to her family, friends, co-workers, and herself) and discern whether good or evil have come from it. It is much more difficult to judge intent. It may be helpful for your friend to consult a good spiritual director if she has not done so. Often, it is hard to be objective when it comes to one’s own spiritual life and a good spiritual director is indispensable.
United in the Faith,
Joseph Taylor
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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