Monday 29 June 2009

Background

Today the Church celebrates the life of the Apostle Peter.

Peter, who followed Jesus throughout his ministry. Peter, whowitnessed many amazing miracles. Peter, who was part of Jesus'closest circle of disciples. Peter, who was the rock on which Jesussaid he would build his Church (Matthew 16:18).Bold and impetuous; forthright and willing. Peter, who deniedknowing Jesus three times on the night of his arrest (Mark 14:66-72).And who later, in a private moment after the Resurrection, wasgiven an opportunity to re-state his commitment to Christ. He wasasked three times if he loved Jesus and upon his reply, was chargedwith tending Jesus' flock (John21:15-18).

At the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, the author, Luke,takes a particular interest in the actions of this man. In thephysical absence of Jesus after his ascension, Peter takes thelead. And on the day of Pentecost, still in Jerusalem, this oncedowncast and dejected man is filled with the power to preach (Acts 2:1-36).Thousands were converted and the early Church began, pooling theirresources and distributing what they had to those in need. Today'spassage takes place in this context, although we do not know howlong after.

Far from being a separate 'religion' at this stage, the Christianway (here shown by Peter and John) was to continue in Jewishbeliefs and practices. Faith in Jesus was seen as a fulfilment ofJudaism, not a replacement. And so they went to pray at theTemple.

The Temple gates were richly decorated, the gates and the doorpostscompletely covered in gold, silver or ornate bronze. The man whowas lame from birth had been left at one of the gates.

Giving to the needy was an important part of Jewish religiousresponsibility, so this was a good spot. Unfortunately, since hewas disabled, it was understood that he wasn't allowed in theTemple itself. In the gateway adorned with precious metals, he mayhave been transfixed on the gold and silver as he asked for help.But Peter draws his attention away from that, towards the twopenniless disciples standing before him.

Possibly remembering Jesus' parables about true riches (Luke 12:13-21;16:1-13) and his words about the temporary nature of worldlygoods - even the Temple itself was not to be a permanent fixture(Mark 13:2) -Peter offers the man something money can't buy. With the grasp of ahand, in the authority of Jesus' name, and in the power of the HolySpirit, Peter continues Jesus' ministry: "I give you all I have: inthe name of Jesus Christ, walk!"

And you bet he does. Right into the Temple! Meanwhile, Peter wasstarting to understand that the ministry of the Church was by nomeans limited to preaching and worship...

To Ponder

It is not always possible to see such miraculoushealings, but what can you offer the poor and disabled aroundyou?

"In the name of Jesus Christ." Is this just amagic formula, or does it have deeper significance? How far do wehave to be careful what we do and say 'in Jesus' name'?

What impression might the size and grandeur ofour places of worship give to those who feel excluded from them?How can we ensure they know they are welcome?