Wednesday within Easter Octave – 12th April 2023 – Acts 3,1-10; Lk 24,13-35
Doing Good in Jesus’ Name
The first reading presents the first healing performed by Peter and John, the most prominent persons among the apostles. By this, they show that the work of Jesus is continuing in the disciples. The story indicates that the power of Jesus has been transferred to his followers, as Jesus promised. The fact that two are involved in the healing indicates that the work of Jesus is being done, not so much by individuals, but by the community which he left to carry on his mission. When faced with a lame beggar, Peter offers something better than money: healing. His priority is spiritual not material. The healing is not done by Peter himself, but in the name of Jesus. Here ‘name’ encompasses the essence of the person: Jesus’ character, sovereignty, authority, power and identity as God. Peter was able to achieve this, because he had faith in the person of Jesus. He had the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1,8; 2,1-4). He had authority from Jesus to heal (Jn 16,23). And he had the confidence that Jesus’s words will come true: “The one who believes in me will do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these” (Jn 14,12).
