Stories of miraculous escapes from death and danger, often attributed to divine intervention or angelic guardianship, are woven into the fabric of human experience. We hear whispers of car crashes survived without a scratch, individuals inexplicably pulled from the path of oncoming vehicles, and illnesses inexplicably vanishing. These accounts, whether passed down through generations or shared in hushed tones, often paint a picture of unseen forces working to shield the vulnerable and deliver them from harm. Assuming, for a moment, that at least some of these narratives hold a kernel of truth – that there are instances where individuals are genuinely and inexplicably saved from certain demise – a profound and often unsettling question arises: why are not all people afforded such miraculous protection?
This isn’t a question born of cynicism, but rather a genuine seeking of understanding. We witness immense suffering in the world. Natural disasters claim countless lives, diseases ravage communities, and accidents shatter families daily. Amongst those who perish in these tragedies are undoubtedly individuals of immense worth, kindness, and potential – people who, by any earthly measure, seem just as deserving of salvation, if not more so, than those who recount miraculous escapes. If benevolent forces are capable and willing to intervene in some cases, why the apparent selectivity? Why is the net of miraculous protection seemingly cast so narrowly, leaving so many others to fall through the cracks?
One immediate and perhaps uncomfortable answer lies in acknowledging the inherent mystery of the divine, or whatever force might orchestrate such interventions. Many faith traditions posit that divine will is ultimately unknowable to humanity. We are finite beings attempting to comprehend an infinite plan. Miracles, in this context, might not be arbitrary acts of favouritism, but rather pieces of a grander puzzle we lack the perspective to fully assemble. Perhaps these interventions serve purposes beyond the immediate salvation of an individual. They could be meant as signs, as affirmations of faith, or as catalysts for wider spiritual awakening, even if their purpose remains obscured from our limited view.
Another perspective suggests that the criteria for miraculous intervention may not align with our human understanding of worthiness or nobility. We tend to equate “goodness” with acts of kindness, moral righteousness, or contribution to society. However, a divine perspective might operate on a different plane entirely. Perhaps divine intervention is not based on a cosmic merit system, but on factors we cannot comprehend, such as the individual’s soul’s journey, their role in a larger spiritual narrative, or even the subtle interplay of free will and destiny.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider the very nature of miracles. If miracles were commonplace, predictable, and universally applied, they would arguably cease to be miracles. They would become the norm, a guaranteed outcome rather than an extraordinary event. The very power of a miracle lies in its rarity, its unexpectedness, and its ability to inspire awe and wonder. If everyone was miraculously saved from every danger, the fabric of reality as we understand it might unravel. The tension, the struggle, and even the possibility of loss are arguably integral parts of the human experience, shaping us, driving us to growth, and fostering resilience.
Moreover, focussing solely on physical salvation might be a limited perspective. Perhaps the “saving” in these miraculous accounts isn’t always about escaping physical death, but about something deeper. It could be about preserving a specific destiny, allowing an individual to fulfil a particular purpose in life, or providing a pivotal moment of grace or transformation. Even in the face of physical death, there may be other forms of salvation that are less tangible but equally, if not more, profound.
Ultimately, the question of why some are saved and others are not remains a profound enigma, touching upon the very core of our understanding of justice, faith, and the universe. While we may yearn for a world where miraculous protection is universal, the reality is far more complex and nuanced. Perhaps the stories of miraculous salvation are not meant to provide a blueprint for guaranteed protection, but rather to offer glimpses into the possibility of unseen forces at work, to remind us of the wonder that can exist alongside suffering, and to encourage us to hold onto hope and faith even in the darkest of times. The mystery persists, inviting us to grapple with the limitations of our understanding and to find meaning even in the face of unanswered questions.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 