Since we've been looking at the healing of the beggar at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, let's spend a few moments with phrases from Peter's speeches following this act of healing kindness (Acts 3:12-4:20). Surprise . . . author of life . . . name of Jesus . . . made strong . . . faith . . . healing . . . as you can see . . . acted in ignorance . . . foretold through the prophets . . . repent . . . times of refreshing may come . . . appointed for you . . . a prophet from among your own people . . . heirs . . . act of kindness . . . Jesus Christ . . . salvation is found in no one else . . no other name . . . what we have seen and heard. For reflection: Read the passage again. What words or phrases stand out? Was I able to perform any acts of kindness this week? Was I able to speak to anyone about Jesus this week? Let us pray. Author of Life, Healer of the Beggar, there are areas where I need healing. Bring times of refreshing to me, please, and help me to share healing and refreshing with others.
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The beggar who was healed by Peter and John at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10) was not healed because he had faith in Jesus. He was healed "as an act of kindness" (4:9) because Peter and John had faith. His healing presented the opportunity for Peter to preach to the crowd that gathered. The crowd came to believe in Jesus, and now "the number of men (who believed) grew to about five thousand" (4:4). Because they were in the temple area when Peter was preaching, the priests and the Sadducees also heard what was being said. The Sadducees didn't like it that Peter was talking about the resurrection of the dead, which the Sadducees did not believe in. And they were growing jealous that so many people were beginning to follow this new teaching about Jesus. The outcomes of the healing of the crippled beggar were that he, who was over 40 years old (4:22), was given a whole new life; Peter had the opportunity to preach in the temple area; many people came to believe; the religious leaders grew uneasy. One act of kindness had several ramifications. For reflection: Is there an act of kindness that I can do for someone today? Am I brave enough to tell someone about Jesus and speak a word of healing to them? What possible consequences keep me from acting? Let us pray. Holy Spirit, we need your Holy Boldness today. |
AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
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