What makes a miracle?

In the 1500s, this was a strategic question for the Catholic Church.

Religious reform had swept across Europe: Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and other Protestants had ushered in the Reformation—and Rome was reeling. Across the continent rulers moved to undermine the Vatican’s power. So, the Pope needed a way to bring the masses back to Mass. (har har…)

The Church turned to miracles.

Catholicism could use local miracles to re-establish legitimacy as the “true faith” among people who now had an alternative option and local leaders could legitimize their own authority by seeking affirmation from a central institution.

You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.

But here’s the fun bit…

In his book, The Rationalization of Miracles, Paolo Parigi explains that the Catholic Church judged miracles in the sixteenth century less on the content of the miracle, and more on their social form.

This “reorganization of magic” meant that miracles were only deemed true if they knit together believers of different kinship groups or across social status.

In an age where literally millions of people had been killed in the Wars of Religion (including nearly a third of the entire German population!), a miracle was an event that healed divides.

A miracle was an event that healed divides. Isn’t that cool?!

And doesn’t that make Dolly Parton officially a miracle?!

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Ritual Tip: Meal blessings

Blessing a meal is one of those miraculous practices that binds us together. But how do you do it? Try one of those simple spiritual technologies to create a moment of connection…‍

1. Hold Hands

Before eating, simply reach out and hold hands with your neighbor and all say: “It is good to be together!” Super simple. Super lovely.

2. Shared Silence

Invite everyone to take a shared breath in, and take just a few moments of quiet. Then, invite everyone to eat by saying, “May our meal be blessed!”

3. Sing!

My very favorite song to bless a meal is this one, but it is a little tricky to learn. So here’s a simple one I grew up singing :)‍

4. Read A Poem‍

Find a piece of poetry you like, or turn to some old favorites like Wendell Berry, Starhawk, or John O’Donohue.