Morning Message: June 5

Today we remember St. Boniface, who devoted his life to the conversion of the Germanic peoples.  In today’s reading, the disciples Peter and John continue Jesus’ work, compassionately caring for the poor and the sick.  The man in this story was a beggar, shunned because he was crippled, and therefore considered unclean.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon.  And a man lame from birth was being carried in. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms.  Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.”  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  Jumping up, the man stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God; and all the people were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Think about this silently in your heart.  Often it is a simple act of kindness that can make a difference to someone who feels left out.

All through history people ask the church to sponsor good causes, to dispense money; and the church responds. But as Peter reminds us here, our real treasure in the church is the living Christ. The knowledge and touch of Jesus, in the gospels and sacraments, is better than silver and gold; it has power to change our lives.  And remember, that your small act of kindness can change someone’s life as well.

Loving God, we are grateful for the many ways that you show your love.  Like the man who was healed, may we give you praise and glory.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  

Amen.