Jesus’ Life: Chapter 20 – Early Spread Of Gospel By the Disciples
As the number of Christians grew in areas outside Jerusalem, Peter made occasional tours to meet his disciples, encourage them in their work and ensure conformity to Gospel teachings. On one such journey, probably when Paul was in Arabia, he passed through Judea, Galilee and Samaria.
When he came to Lydda, a day’s travel from Jerusalem, he found a paralysed man, Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. [Arise and make thy bed]”. (Acts 9:34)
Immediately, Aeneas was healed and got up. Everyone was amazed and as the news spread, people in Lydda and the surrounding Sharon plain turned to Jesus as the Messiah.
Peter, once again, confirmed Jesus’ Gospel teachings through Jesus’ miraculous works. He was responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and made it very clear to all around that the healing of Aeneas was the work of Jesus Christ; “Jesus the Christ heals you,” he said. (Acts 9:32-35)
Thought
Alone, we are powerless!
Reflection
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the many miraculous gifts which you have bestowed on me; help me to use them to honour and serve you for the remaining days of my life. Amen
Prayer: Vocations (Cardinal Joseph Bernardin)
Lord of the harvest,
your Word finds a home in our heart,
calls us into community and invites us to generous
service of the human family.
Bless with courage and spirit your priestly people,
called to full participation in the one Body of Christ.
May many choose to respond in public service
to your call offered in Jesus’ name. Amen.
