First Reading: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm: 105. R. v. 3b; Gospel: Lk 24:13-35

EXPECT THE UNBELIEVABLE

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The crippled man at the beautiful gate was disabled from birth. It doesn’t seem he had any hope of walking again. He must have resigned to fate. This was why he resorted to the business of begging since he was disabled and unable to work. The perfect place for him to prosper in this business was the temple since the worshippers who are going in to pray would easily be moved to give alms. After all, love of God and neighbour go hand in hand. So he chose to sit at the temple gate to beg.

Every day, his wish was always to encounter generous worshippers who would bless his begging bowl. Walking again wasn’t really an immediate concern to him. He had long accepted his condition and was very much at home with it. We could see that his priority was money as he beckoned on Peter and John for alms immediately he saw them. But this day was different. His seemingly hopeless condition encountered God’s divine healing. What he never expected happened. By the name of the risen Christ he was healed.

We can sometimes give up in life due to certain challenges. Some people don’t have even a modicum of belief that their seemingly hopeless situations can change. Look, God is not done with us yet. He has not given up on us. The miraculous healing of this man at the beautiful gate is a testament. Though our condition may appear irredeemable; but when the right comes, God will locate us and change our condition for good. Do not lose hope; keep believing. That moment we never expected that things could change, could be the very moment things would turn around in our favour. As far as God is alive, to despair is not an option.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Risen Saviour, come into our situations and save us. Amen.