His Name

Readings for Thursday April 28, 2011

First Reading: Acts 3:11-26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48


When Peter saw this, he addressed the people, "You children of Israel, why are you amazed at this, and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence, when he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you. (Acts 3:12-16)

Son of Man, Bread of life, Son of David, Emmanuel, Holy one of God, Son of the most High, the new Moses ... He has had many names throughout history. No matter what He is called, there is great power in the name of Jesus Christ. In today's reading from the book of Acts, Peter speaks rightly in not taking credit for the miracle healing of the man outside the temple. Peter tells us that it is by the power of God that this man was healed and by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Peter is doing what we should all be doing, helping others understand the power that comes through faith and by doing things in the name of Jesus. Many times we are very blind to the miracles that are worked by God in our lives, and we are willing to attribute them to our own greatness of to just simple "good luck." But we must start having a change of heart and a change in our thinking. We must realize that all that we have and all that we are really comes from God, not by us or by luck. We must realize that the power and the miracles come from Christ, and not from anything that we have done. Peter recognized that the people were looking at him after the miracle healing, he wanted nothing to do with the credit however, he wanted to redirect them towards God, and he wanted to give glory where is was due.

There is a great song called "Your Name" by Paul Baloche, and in this song it really speaks to the power of our Lord. Read the chorus, and just think about the how just His name alone has power to work in our lives and in this world.

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name

Everything that we do, everything that we say, should be in the name of Jesus Christ. I pray that all that we do out in this world may honor and give glory to our Lord and Savior.

Father above, we thank you and give you praise for this day. Lord, we are nothing without you, help us to always recognize and be in awe of your mighty works in our lives. Lord, everything that we have and everything that we are belongs to you, help us to be good stewards of all that you have given us. Lord, it is through your name that we live, may we be granted the courage and strength to share this message. Lord, we pray for all those seeking meaning in their lives, we pray that they may come to you soon. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.