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.
The Easter accounts of Jesus's appearance describe the confusion and failure of his disciples to recognize him immediately. Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener. The eyes of the travelers to Emmaus "were prevented from recognizing him;" the disciples in the upper room thought they were seeing a ghost. Even Saint Paul, several years later, asked, "Who are you, Sir?" In every case, they are given a second first impression and then they know the Lord -- by his hands and feet, by the sound of his voice, by the breaking of bread, and so forth.
However, the crowd who saw the crippled man dancing and leaping knew him immediately; he was "the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple."
If few people don't know the Lord when he appears, anyone can recognize the transformation that happens to those who meet him. Our friends, family, and acquaintances should notice it in us. They might even recognize the unholy moments that pass over us when we're possessed by something other than the Holy Spirit; by resentment, suspicion, or doubt. The vices send signals that all is not well in this house.
Peter and John, as they approached the temple that afternoon, knew the Holy Spirit was guiding them. They were seeing with the eyes of God and recognized both the beggar and the opportune moment. The gospels indicate that, before Jesus's passion and death, they had sometimes healed the sick and cast out demons. But the Lord had died and a new age had arrived for the disciples. They were no longer guided by his careful, daily instructions. They must be subject to the Holy Spirit which directed their eyes, opened their ears, and empowered them to act with the freedom of God's children.
Peter and John wanted to give this man something but they had neither silver nor gold; they had only the name of Jesus. And they gave that freely.
As commissioned disciples of the Lord we learn to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit; and people around us might also sense the Presence of God within us. Our movements are graceful; our words and gestures are fitting; our being here in this place and time is welcome.
They might not be delighted by what we say.
"All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at [Stephen] and saw that his face was like the face of an angel." (Acts 6:15)
But they were not amused.
Never mind, Peter, John, and Stephen were filled with joy as we are during this Octave of Easter. How can we keep from singing?
This is the day the Lord has made,
Let us be glad and rejoice. (Psalm 118:24)
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.