Meaning: This quote by Willa Cather, an American author known for her evocative writing about the American frontier and immigrant experience, reflects a profound insight into the nature of miracles and the human capacity for perception. In this quote, Cather suggests that the miracles attributed to the church are not inherently supernatural events but rather moments when our perceptions are heightened, allowing us to see and hear the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Cather's perspective on miracles challenges the traditional understanding of these phenomena as supernatural interventions in the natural order. Instead, she emphasizes the role of human perception in experiencing the miraculous. According to her, the true miracles occur when our senses are attuned to the subtle and wondrous aspects of the world that are always present but often overlooked.

One interpretation of Cather's quote is that she is highlighting the transformative power of perception. She suggests that when our perceptions are made "finer," we are able to discern the beauty, wonder, and meaning that exist in our everyday surroundings. This idea aligns with the concept of mindfulness, which encourages individuals to cultivate a keen awareness of the present moment and appreciate the richness of their immediate experiences.

Moreover, Cather's emphasis on the refinement of perception implies that the capacity for experiencing miracles lies within each individual. Rather than relying on external forces or supernatural occurrences, she suggests that the ability to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary is inherent in human consciousness. This perspective empowers individuals to seek and appreciate moments of transcendence and wonder in their daily lives.

Cather's view also resonates with the idea of spiritual or existential awakening. She implies that the miracles of the church, or perhaps more broadly, the spiritual realm, are accessible to individuals not through dramatic manifestations but through a deepening of their perceptual faculties. This aligns with various philosophical and spiritual traditions that emphasize inner transformation and heightened awareness as pathways to profound insights and experiences.

Furthermore, Cather's quote invites contemplation on the nature of reality and the limitations of human perception. She suggests that there are aspects of existence that transcend ordinary sensory experiences and that our perceptions, when refined, can bridge the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary. This notion echoes themes found in mystical and transcendental philosophies, where the expansion of consciousness is seen as a means of accessing deeper truths about the nature of reality.

In summary, Willa Cather's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of miracles and human perception. By emphasizing the role of heightened perception in experiencing the extraordinary, she challenges conventional notions of miracles as supernatural events and instead invites individuals to consider the transformative power of their own awareness. Her words encourage a deeper appreciation for the richness of everyday existence and the potential for profound insight when our perceptions are made "finer."