🚀 go-pugleaf

require miracles to prove it.

838. Jesus Christ performed miracles, then the apostles, and the first
saints in great number; because the prophecies not being yet accomplished,
but in the process of being accomplished by them, the miracles alone bore
witness to them. It was foretold that the Messiah should convert the
nations. How could this prophecy be fulfilled without the conversion of the
nations? And how could the nations be converted to the Messiah, if they did
not see this final effect of the prophecies which prove Him? Therefore, till
He had died, risen again, and converted the nations, all was not
accomplished; and so miracles were needed during all this time. Now they are
no longer needed against the Jews; for the accomplished prophecies
constitute a lasting miracle.

839. "Though ye believe not Me, believe at least the works." He refers them,
as it were, to the strongest proof.

It had been told to the Jews, as well as to Christians, that they should not
always believe the prophets; but yet the Pharisees and Scribes are greatly
concerned about His miracles and try to show that they are false, or wrought
by the devil. For they must needs be convinced, if they acknowledge that
they are of God.

At the present day we are not troubled to make this distinction. Still it is
very easy to do: those who deny neither God nor Jesus Christ do no miracles
which are not certain. Nemo facit virtutem in nomine meo, et cito possit de
me male loqui.191

But we have not to draw this distinction. Here is a sacred relic. Here is a
thorn from the crown of the Saviour of the world, over whom the prince of
this world has no power, which works miracles by the peculiar power of the
blood shed for us. Now God Himself chooses this house in order to display
conspicuously therein His power.

These are not men who do miracles by an unknown and doubtful virtue, which
makes a decision difficult for us. It is God Himself. It is the instrument
of the Passion of His only Son, who, being in many