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Dancing in the mission of good |
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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 to you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Acts 3: 3- 7 (NRSV) |
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The story of the healing at the Beautiful gate is part of the narratives that tell us about the remarkable transformation that was experienced by the disciples after the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The Apostles were now ready to step out and continue with the work that Jesus had been doing, yet the stage had not been cleared of the dangers that had always confronted Jesus even to the point of death.
Peter, John, James, Mary and all the other followers of the Way, both men and women, were about to enter into a phase that was as fulfilling and exciting as it was dangerous. It was going to be a costly exercise for which many paid the ultimate sacrifice as martyrs. The story before us is placed early in the plan of the writer. At this stage the disciples were still part of the Jewish religious and social systems. The temple was still their spiritual home and they observed the usual times of prayer, used the same scriptures and saw themselves as being the true representatives of Israel.
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We observe that as Peter and John were about to enter the temple they met the lame man who was brought to the temple to beg for alms. For this man it was probably another day of begging and waiting for the occasional coins to be dropped into their basket. Peter and John stopped and asked the expectant man to look at them.
We cannot judge him harshly for expecting a hefty grant from the two apostles! In a way what they gave him turned out to be greater than any silver or gold they may have given him: it was the gift of independence, standing on his own feet as a proud member of the community. He was healed and could now enter the temple “leaping and praising God.”
I read a caption recently, which is applicable to the ever-unfolding story of the drama of the Mission of God. It reads something to the tune: Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, but dancing in the rain. How very true it was for the disciples and for the man at the Beautiful gate. All of a sudden he learnt the meaning and responsibility of living as a free person, able to praise and worship God in the company of fellow worshippers. Peter and John and the rest of the young church had to enter the storm and continue the dance of the Mission of God.
Perhaps we could take time to think about our own situations and possible roles (or dance) that we could play in the unfolding Mission of God. We might be surprised as this man was to discover the freedom and joy of Mission. |
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Prayer- Thought: |
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Lord, as we heed your invitation to enter the storm and join in the dance of your mission, hold us firm so that we may rise again whenever we fall; enable us to hold on to each other for mutual support and encouragement whenever the dance is slow and hard. Amen. |
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