Tough Miracles Summary and Analysis

Christians in Ibillin felt hopeless. The village contained Moslems, Greek Orthodox and Christians, all vying for power and fighting one another. The Responsible, it soon became evident, was a little dictator who made decisions such as who would be allowed in the church to worship. Elias is determined that, even if only in residence for a month, he will rebuild this congregation by visiting every household in the village. His efforts were not hugely successful, as the villagers viewed him with suspicion, and they certainly did not wish to anger the Responsible.

Realizing that he needed help, Elias went to Nazareth to enlist some support from some Roman Catholic sisters he knew. The Mother Superior knew and loved Elias and, defying her superior, loaned him three sisters to assist on Sundays. Eventually, he was able to use the sisters...