Whenever a body is dis-eased, it means something is wrong. The different parts are not working together, they are not aligned, and so the body cannot function well. But when the body is healed, when it is at peace and everything is in the right place, it can work properly and even perform at its best.
In today’s Gospel, many of Jesus’ followers were not united. They didn’t agree with his teachings. After hearing what Jesus said, many of them said, “This is too hard to accept,” and they stopped following him. Some were angry, others lost their faith. Because of this disunity, they couldn’t go far or do much as followers of Christ.
However, a few people, like Peter, stayed with Jesus and accepted his message. These few were united, and they lived in peace. In the first reading, we see how powerful that unity was. Peter, full of the Holy Spirit and in harmony with the other believers, performed miracles. He healed the sick and even raised the dead.
“The churches throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria were left in peace. They grew stronger, lived in reverence for the Lord, and were filled with the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”
Peter visited Lydda and found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for eight years. He said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up.” Aeneas got up at once, and many people believed in the Lord.
Dear reader, if families, communities, and churches can come together in unity and peace, they will do amazing things. As one African proverb says, “If spider webs unite, they can tie down a lion.”
Let us stay united and live in peace. That is the key to true progress. Shalom.
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