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Friday, April 22, 2022

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Easter Friday


Acts 4:1-12
Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27
John 21:1-14

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healing the handicapped

“If we must answer today for a good deed done to a cripple and explain how he was restored to health, then you and all the people of Israel must realize that it was done in the name of Jesus Christ.” —Acts 4:9-10

“Many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles” after the first Pentecost (Acts 2:43). The few healings recounted in Acts of the Apostles were chosen to be proclaimed not just because they were healings, but because of their special significance. The man lame from birth is someone we all can identify with. We may not be physically handicapped, but we all have been handicapped since birth in other ways. Because of cowardice, Peter was also handicapped. Some people have never taken even their first baby-step in evangelization. Many have been paralyzed by fear for as long as they can remember. Others have never prayed together with their spouses. These are severe spiritual handicaps.

However, the good news is that in the name of the risen Jesus we can be healed. This will prove that Jesus has risen and is alive right now. When we let Jesus heal us from a life-long handicap, we have an ideal forum for proclaiming His resurrection. Those who have known us for years will be astounded at our new freedom. They will ask how we were healed of our handicap. We will then be able to proclaim that “it was done in the name of Jesus” crucified and risen (Acts 4:10).

Prayer:  Risen Jesus, may I let You heal me of a life-long handicap.

Promise:  “Simon Peter went aboard and hauled ashore the net loaded with sizable fish — one hundred fifty-three of them!” —Jn 21:11

Praise:  Alleluia! We draw our “life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pt 1:3).

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.