As we continue within this Octave of Easter, we see from the selection of the Acts of the Apostles one of the first challenges to the Early Faith. After healing a crippled man, Peter and John were brought before the authorities in Jerusalem, demanding to know by what power, or by what name, was this miracle done.

Not long before, Peter had denied the Lord three times, before the everyday people of Jerusalem who confronted him. He was ashamed and betrayed, three times, the Lord in His Passion. Now, filled with the Holy Spirit, Whom the Lord sends to us as well, he spoke boldly before the very same authorities that had condemned Jesus to death.

Peter spoke, as witness to Christ and to the authority of his own office as the first Pope, the proclamation of Faith in Jesus Christ the Lord, Who was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. In His Name was this crippled man healed. In His Name was proclaimed salvation to all mankind.

What are the crippled areas of our lives? Do we allow the power of the Name of the Lord to transform our own lives, allowing us to participate in the Resurrection in our own time?

What, also, are the authorities in our own lives that challenge our Faith? Is it our culture, which says only money, power, and fame will save us and make us happy? Is it our society, which bases success on material goods and worldly pleasures?

No, these are the fleeting things of life. Christ has come and has destroyed death and sin and has called us to a higher calling in His Church on earth and in heaven. The world will challenge us on what is the source of our joy, the source of our peace, and the source of our hope. We will answer, as Peter did two millennia ago: It is in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, Who was crucified, died, buried, and Who rose again on Easter morning. He is our eternal joy, our eternal peace, and our eternal hope. Alleluia!

What are the crippled areas of my life? Do I allow the power of the Name of the Lord to transform my life?

Do I believe that I can be healed of my sin in the name of Jesus?

Do I ask Jesus to come into my mind, heart, and life to heal the areas where I struggle?

"Jesus."

​"Jesus, I trust in You."

"Jesus, I trust your healing power."

Reflect today on the areas of your life that need to be healed, relationships that need to be mended, habits that need to be transformed. Write down these areas and ask God to heal them in the name of Jesus. Begin creating a habit of asking Jesus to come into the hardships of your daily life.