Crippled Beggar Requests Alms

Faith in Action

The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ

Faith in Jesus

Acts 3:1-10 The Message

3 1-5 One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time, there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.
6-8 Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.
8-10 The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

For Reflection

Christ began God's work on Earth and finishes it in us. This story emphasizes that God's blessing is not for material gain. Instead, God's blessing is a spiritual matter that results in complete restoration of our humanity. To receive God's healing power all we need do is reach for God's hand as did the beggar. Our asking is a sign of our belief that God will respond--it is an act of trust that all will work for good in our lives. Paul's kindness was an act of prayer, and God healed the Beggar.

Pray

Pray that others will see in your face what the beggar saw in Paul's.  Pray that your prayers will be a conduit for the healing those in need who cross your path.

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