e divine
nourishment of the spiritual body of Christ, the divine graces and
heavenly perfections of which His disciples partook, and with which they
became filled.

In the same way, reflect that when Christ blessed the bread and gave it to
His disciples, saying, "This is My body,"(87) and gave grace to them, He
was with them in person, in presence, and form. He was not transformed
into bread and wine; if He had been turned into bread and wine, He could
not have remained with the disciples in body, in person and in presence.

Then it is clear that the bread and wine were symbols which signified: I
have given you My bounties and perfections, and when you have received
this bounty, you have gained eternal life and have partaken of your share
and your portion of the heavenly nourishment.

22: MIRACLES

Question.--It is recorded that miracles were performed by Christ. Are the
reports of these miracles really to be accepted literally, or have they
another meaning? It has been proved by exact science that the essence of
things does not change, and that all beings are under one universal law
and organization from which they cannot deviate; and, therefore, that
which is contrary to universal law is impossible.

Answer.--The Holy Manifestations are the sources of miracles and the
originators of wonderful signs. For Them, any difficult and impracticable
thing is possible and easy. For through a supernatural power wonders
appear from Them; and by this power, which is beyond nature, They
influence the world of nature. From all the Manifestations marvelous
things have appeared.

But in the Holy Books an especial terminology is employed, and for the
Manifestations these miracles and wonderful signs have no importance. They
do not even wish to mention them. For if we consider miracles a great
proof, they are still only proofs and arguments for those who are present
when they are performed, and not for those who are absent.

For example, if we relate to a seeker, a stranger to Moses and Christ,
marvelous signs, he will deny them and will say: "Wonderful signs are also
continually related of false gods by the testimony of many people, and
they are affirmed in the Books. The Brahmans have written a book about
wonderful prodigies from Brahma." He will also say: "How can we know that
the Jews and the Christians speak the truth, and that the Brahmans tell a
lie? For both are generally admitted traditions, which are collected i