Ordinary Time 
Pause
Choosing to unplug, even for a few minutes, can be scary. What if we miss the latest tweet, post, or pic? We don’t want to be left behind in the fast-paced world of our always plugged-in friends.
As much as we like being connected to an entire world at our fingertips, it’s important to step away sometimes. Because the spiritual life is about connecting to something deeper within.
Now’s the time! Take the next few moments to reconnect, refocus, and relax. God is eager to spend time with you.
Listen
Seeing this, Peter addressed the people: “You Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why are you staring at us as if we made him walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of our ancestors—has glorified his servant Jesus. This is the one you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence, even though he had already decided to release him. You rejected the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer be released to you instead. You killed the author of life, the very one whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this. His name itself has made this man strong. That is, because of faith in Jesus’ name, God has strengthened this man whom you see and know. The faith that comes through Jesus gave him complete health right before your eyes.
Acts 3:12-16
Think
In the verses right before this passage, Peter and John are confronted by a paralytic who asks them for a hand out. Instead, they give him a hand up. By the power of Christ, he is able to walk. He dances and praises God as the three of them enter the porch of the temple. The story continues with today’s scripture.
Peter, seeing the crowd gathering around them, doesn’t hesitate to tell everyone about the power and glory found in Jesus Christ. Peter explains that it was the man’s faith that made him whole. Not anything John or Peter did. Peter seizes the moment that was presented to testify to the hope found in the risen Christ.
Granted, it’s rare to be a witness to miracles such as this, but there are many missed opportunities to share the amazing things Christ has done in our lives. Seize the moment! Share the Good News.
John McCrosky
Pray
My faith in you, oh Lord, has changed everything about me. So why do I act like I am paralyzed? Help me to seize the moment — to be filled with your joy and dance and praise your name. Amen.
Go
When we encounter Christ, we are changed. Our faith, our hopes, our actions. Nothing is left the same.
What would happen if all we did and said reflected this transformative work that the living God is doing in us? What further changes would take place in our own hearts and in the world around us?
Go now, being bold enough to hope in this change.
