Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Christian Approach to Differently Abled
Lame Beggar HealedActs 3:1-10
V. 6-7: "Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong."
In this passage, as Peter and John were entering the gate of the Temple in Jerusalem, they encountered a lame man begging for money. This man was unable to walk since birth and because he had never walked all his life, he gained no skills to earn an income. The lame man became dependent on others who carried him daily to the holy Temple of Jerusalem where he hoped to receive alms from affluent Christian and Jewish patrons. His only mission was to make it to the Temple and hope to collect enough for the day. The beggar expected a few coins but he never imagined that he will receive a miracle.
The Apostles of Jesus Christ and Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, commanded the lame beggar to walk. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”
Those who knew the lame beggar were amazed. Peter and John accepted no credit or praise but they gave praise only to Jesus Christ.
Jesus healed the lame man, an invalid, amongst the blind, sick, and paralyzed. He also never hesitated to touch the leper, an outcast whom people never come close enough to touch. Jesus' approach to all is to believe in them and reach out his hand to heal them with compassion and unconditional love. Inspired by Jesus' approach to the disabled, Peter and John continued Jesus' ministry of healing.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that you use me to help the disabled and support the less fortunate. May your strength and kindness shine upon me so that I share your light and love with others. I ask you this in your Heavenly name, I pray.
Thought of the day
The man who could not walk met the man who walked on water.
St. Thomas MTC, NY