WEDNESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

What I do have I give you. 

The man who was carried to the Temple gate every morning didn’t set his hopes very high. He’d be grateful if a worshipper just stopped on his way in to give him a spare coin or two. Peter had no coins to give, but he had something much better. He knew that God loved this man and had the power to restore him. So Peter fixed his full attention on him and commanded him to stand in the healing name of Jesus. Then Peter reached out his hand and helped the man rise to his feet—and the man was healed! His joy-filled leaping and grateful words of praise to the Lord led many observers to marvel and praise God as well.

Imagine how this newly healed man became a valued member of the Jerusalem community of believers. Perhaps his attitude of praise gave shape to their prayer. Maybe he sought out people who had kindly given him alms, told them about his healing, and introduced them to his new Christian friends. God had given him more than a few coins—more, even, than new legs! He had given him a new family and brought him into community with other believers. It just goes to show that God loves to surprise us with far more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Think back a bit. You can probably remember a time when you asked God for something small, and God surprised you with more than you had hoped for. Even when he seemed to say no, you can probably see how he still had something better in store for you.

Maybe God helped you find your lost keys—and drew your attention to a nearby book you’d been meaning to read, just when you needed to hear its message. Maybe you were looking for a few moments of silence when you wandered into Mass, and the good news touched your heart in a brand-new way. Maybe you asked God to protect you from bullying on your first day in a new school—and he brought a lifelong friend to stand alongside you.

Our God is so generous! Trust that even when it takes time, even if you recognize it only in hindsight, you will see the blessings he is pouring out on you.

“Father, thank you for all of your generous gifts to me.”

Acts 3:1-10
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Luke 24:13-35