Miracles as such do not matter. The only thing that matters is their Source, which is far beyond evaluation (T-1.I.2:1-2).
Atonement corrects the error of mistaken self-identity. We are confused about what we are, and our confusion creates illusions - including the illusion of problems and suffering.
In a sense, miracles - which are shifts in thought away from fear and towards love - are given to restore our self to our Self.
Thus, the miracle is indifferent to the specific problem to which it is applied in the world. To the miracle, a stubbed toe and the death of a child are equal. They aren't equal to us - hence the need for miracles - but the miracle heals both problems exactly the same way: it reminds us of what we are in truth.
When we observe the miracle's effects - especially when, according to our unhealed mind, they appear truly miraculous - we begin to perceive the nature of the gift we have been given.
That is, we begin to realize that the healing the miracle offers is too great and too generous to have come from our own sense of self. Miracles are neither of the world nor of the limited selves which populate that world.
Miracles are gifts of God in which we remember we share our identity with our Creator in Creation.
This begets a sense of respect and humility for the Source of the miracle. It is as if we begin to fully understand that a Will other than our own is at work in us, and it is that Will we trust rather than our puny and confused own.
This posture of humility and respect is important because it allows us to be more open to the miracle and its healing effects. It enables us to get out of our own way, to "let go and let God."
This is a critical step in the overall correction of the error of self-identity. We cease to fully trust our limited sense of what is a problem and what the correction must be, and avail ourselves of an intelligence whose knowledge of correction and healing is total and thus incapable of error.
Importantly, this intelligence is "far beyond evaluation" (T-1.I.2:2). We can neither explain it nor judge it. We aren't being invited to re-imagine ourselves as gods or ascended masters or spiritual gurus. We are here to be healed. All that is required is willingness and open-mindedness.
Imagine visiting a doctor. You have cancer, and you are being treated. Do you understand the chemistry of how chemotherapy works in the body? Do you understand the engineering required to build a chemotherapy pump? Could you actually run a hospital?
No. And you don't have to. You just show up and trust that a whole bunch of people you never met did their job which allows a whole bunch of other people - some of whom you will meet - to do their job. You're just here to be healed. That’s your job.
You and I are just here to be healed. The so-called error requiring healing is confusion about what we are in truth. The medium through which the solution is given is the miracle, which restores to mind our actual identity.
Will you give yourself to the One who knows what is best for you? And knows how to give it to you in the form you can most easily accept?
Will you say “yes” with me, that our shared happiness and peace might be complete?
Thank you, as always, for being here.
~ Sean