Wednesday, April 3, 2013

What's in a name?

     In the Acts of the Apostles we read that Peter and John were going into the temple area to pray at the three o'clock hour.  They encountered a man crippled from birth who people passed by daily at "the Beautiful Gate" of the temple, sometimes giving him alms.  Asked again, Peter and John stopped, looked intently at him, and spoke to him.  They asked for his attention: "Look at us!"  Having his attention Peter said: "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk."  He offered his hand, helped him stand, and the man walked unencumbered for the first time in his life.  He walked, jumped and praised God.

     The man had only wanted a coin or two, but he received healing.  Peter and John had little to give that was ordinary, but much to give from their hearts and their relationship with their Lord - love itself.  They acted in his NAME and shared their relationship, their friendship of his PERSON with this cripple ... and the man was made whole.  What is in a name?  A great deal!  The name opens the door and introduces us to the person of Jesus Christ.

     Every fiber of our being is to proclaim the name of Christ, to witness to our knowledge and love of Christ, and to invite others to enter into this wondrous mystery.  So if you ever ask yourself "What do I have to offer?" ... the answer is simply this - JESUS CHRIST!  Share him with others freely and you will be filled with blessings.

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