CHRISTIAN SENSE
By: TOM SMIKOSKI
A publication devoted to making sense out of the twenty-first century.
APPARITIONS
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
By: TOM SMIKOSKI
(Originally written as a
"Letter to the Editors" of "THE NEW CATHOLIC EXPLORER",
Joliet, Illinois Diocese, December,1997.)
On Wednesday, December 18th, Channel 7 carried a news story from Clearwater,
Florida. They showed a tape of an office building where a two story image of the
Virgin Mary was clearly visible for all to see. The image first appeared on
Thursday, December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and continues to
shine as of this writing.
Sceptics, Scientists and even the Church say it is caused by the sun reflecting
off water on the two story windows. These sceptics are right, it is obvious that the
sun's reflection is causing the image.
However, Clearwater, Florida is not alone. Images of Mary, and even Jesus,
have been appearing throughout the World. Their appearances are increasing at a
tremendous rate.
I have a question. Why does the sun always reflect an image of Jesus or Mary?
Why don't we see images of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, or even Michael
Jordan?
Could it be that the images we see are more than just a natural phenomenon
formed by mother nature? Could it be that God carefully places these drops of
moisture in such a way that the image reflected is the one He wants us to see?
People react the same no matter where these images appear. Hundreds, if not
thousands, of people fall to their knees in repentence for their sins. Many return to
God for the first time in years. In many parts of the World, Christians, Jews and
Muslims kneel together in adoration of God.
I call images such as these miracles. Sceptics call them natural phenomena.
Some even call them freaks of nature. The fact is, a rose by any other name is still
a rose.
TOM SMIKOSKI
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