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

GOD, THE HOPE OF THE HOPELESS

A man who was lame from birth without any chance of walking ever since may have resigned to fate as a permanent cripple. Such was the condition of this lame man at the beautiful gate. 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 has long accepted his condition and was very much at home with it. We could see that his priority was money as he gestured to Peter and John for alms immediately he saw them. But this day would be 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 sometimes lose hope on our conditions in life when we feel there is no way out. At times we move on with our lives without having any modicum of belief that our 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. Whatever be our condition and wherever we are, 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 it could be the very moment it will happen. As far as God is alive, despair is not an option.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

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