Readings: Acts 3:11-26, Ps. 8:2,5-9, Luke 24:35-48
“Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus.” (Acts 3:12-13)
Yesterday, we read that Peter and John were about to enter the temple when a lame man, carried on a mat, begged them for alms. This man was expecting money from Peter and John, but Peter had a better idea. He said: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” Where did Peter get the idea of praying in the name of Jesus Christ? What happened after the lame man was healed? This brings us to our lessons for today:
1. Why Peter Prayed In Jesus’ Name: Peter prayed in the name of Jesus Christ because he believed in the resurrection. Peter knew that Jesus Christ was fully alive and that Jesus was right there with him. When Peter saw the lame man begging at the beautiful gate, he remembered Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead and freed many of their predicament. Peter knew what Jesus would have done upon seeing the lame man at the beautiful gate. By praying in the name of Jesus Christ, Peter only asked the living Jesus, whose presence he felt, to do His Work. St. Paul tells us: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10). Do you know that whenever you invoke the name of Jesus Christ with faith, Jesus becomes present physically with you? Be careful with the name Jesus; it is the most powerful name on earth.
2. Peter’s Faith (like the other disciples) Grew Gradually: Don’t beat yourself too much if your faith is not up to the size of a mustard seed. Faith grows gradually. When Peter and the other disciples first heard of the resurrection, they didn’t believe it even though he saw the empty tomb. Matthew reports that when “the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them, they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:16-17) They doubted because they wondered if it was a ghost they had seen. Surprised at their apparent disbelief, Jesus, in today’s Gospel passage, asked: “Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts?” Jesus showed them his hands and feet, but they still didn’t believe. Finally, Jesus asked for something to eat, and they gave him a piece of grilled (broiled) fish. Like He did with the two disciples on the Road, Jesus explained the Scriptures concerning Himself to them. It was at this point that the minds of the disciples were opened. Are you struggling with your faith? Take time to study the Scriptures.
3. Never Claim Glory that is Not Yours: Going back to today’s First Reading, after praying for the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ, Peter took the man by his right hand and raised him. Immediately, his ankles and feet became strong. The man who had never walked stood, leapt joyfully and entered the temple. The man was walking, leaping and praising God. He couldn’t hold his joy because he knew he had gotten his life back. The man knew he would no longer depend on others to move around and no longer need to beg for alms to survive. The man clung to Peter and John, and everyone ran together in Solomon’s portico. Peter addressed them: “Men of Israel, why do you stare as though we had made him walk by own power or piety?” Never worship God’s ministers; even the devil can heal in the name of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, never assume you are too small (or too sinful) to invoke the name of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to be ordained to be a healer.
4. Repent That Your Sins May Be Forgiven: Peter used the occasion to preach about Jesus Christ just as he did on Pentecost Sunday. Once again, Peter admonished them to repent of their sins. Whenever we experience something extraordinary, God reminds us that He is alive, which should move us to look inward and repent of our sins. Let us avoid the mistake of the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida; they received the miracles of Jesus but refused to repent. (Cf. Matthew 11:21-22). While miracles should lead us to delete our vices, they should also lead us to imbibe virtues such as witnessing for Jesus. After making the disciples believe that He is not a ghost, Jesus said: “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46-48). Go and announce to the world that Jesus is risen.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the grace of true repentance. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Easter Thursday. Bible Study: Acts 3:11-26, Ps. 8:2,5-9, Luke 24:35-48).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu