יום ג Date: 12 Teves, 5777 (1/10/17) – Bava Metzia Daf 106 ~ Eliezer Guterman

MYSTERIOUS MIRACLES

[106a bottom] R’ Sheishes: Braisa: A shepherd (who was watching an owner’s sheep) left his flock and went into the city when a wolf came and seized a sheep. The shepherd may say to the owner, “I am not responsible, for if you were worthy of a miracle (like R’ Chanina ben Dosa) it would have happened.” But the owner may reply, “While it may be true that I am not worthy of a great miracle, yet am I worthy of a minor one!” [And perhaps the shepherd would have been able to save the sheep (and therefore liable to pay).]
R’ Rosner quoting Toras Chaim: Would G-d rather do BIG or SMALL miracles? Open ones reveal Hashem and are better to instill belief, while hidden miracles reinforce and strengthen our Bechira (free will).

D-E-ep Thoughts: Although it would be magnificent to witness majestic miracles out in the open, we are not worthy to receive them (as most people nowadays would even try to rationalize them). G-d maintains our true freedom (to believe in Him) by allowing us the opportunity to seek Him. We are able to (and must be thankful to) perceive hidden miracles that others may simply attribute to “coincidences.”

Today’s P.I.P. (Put Into Practice) TIP: When we find ourselves witnessing a perfect ‘falling together’ of occurrences which achieves a desired (and hopefully prayed for) result, we must be quick to connect the dots and remember that this is how Hashem reveals Himself to us in modern times.