Wednesday within the Octave of Easter

Peter said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk." Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.

Sometimes we ask for one thing and get another. This isn’t always a bad thing because we don’t always know what is best for us. We don’t always recognize the opportunities that present themselves to us. However, God will offer us the best thing. It is up to us to leap up, take it, and praise God for His Goodness. Other times, people ask us for things. In a similar way, we should consider what the person really needs and not just what they are asking for. Perhaps we see someone begging, but instead of giving them a few dollars... maybe we can keep them in our prayers and ask for God’s Help for them, too. Or see if we can’t help them in some other way. It takes a lot more effort, but it might lead to a greater good. Yes, there is risk involved, but our faith is built upon a risk-taker... Jesus, who didn’t shrink from going among sinners and doing God’s Will because that was where He was most needed.

What are we asking God for? Will we respond with thanks even if our prayers aren’t answered how we wish? In what ways can we bring the Good News to others as Peter did?

O Lord, grant us what we truly need and not just what we ask for.

Amen.