Acts 9:31-42
St. Peter told the paralyzed Aeneas to get up and make his bed, and he was healed instantly (Acts 9:33-34). Peter then prayed over the corpse of Tabitha, and she was raised from the dead (9:36-41).
What amazing miracles the saints have worked! Think about all those stories of Padre Pio, John Bosco, and others whose prayers brought about healings—both while they were alive on earth and even after their deaths! It’s enough to
make you wonder: Did they know something that we don’t?
The truth is that behind every miracle, there is the same unique source: Jesus Christ. Did Peter himself possess some extraordinary talent for healing the sick or raising the dead?
Do any of the saints have divine or magical powers that allow them to do things we can only dream of doing?*** Absolutely not! The “secret” to their success is Jesus, the risen Lord.***
And yet it wasn’t such a secret, either. For instance, Peter openly told Aeneas: “Jesus Christ heals you” (Acts 9:34).
No work of healing is accomplished by human power or efforts, but only by the power of Jesus invoked through prayer.
Before raising up Tabitha, then, Peter “knelt down and prayed” (9:40). We too can pray in faith, expecting incredible things from Jesus. He is the very fountain of mercy and healing that Peter drew from!
- In prayer, we can seek healing of body or soul for ourselves.
- We can participate in God’s healing ministry by praying for someone who is suffering and in need.
- It may seem risky, or scary, or even shocking to venture out and pray in this way.
- But we will begin asking with confidence if we think about how much our Father wants to shower healing and love upon us.
- Even if we don’t receive the miracles we’re asking for, this isn’t necessarily because of some defect in our faith or someone else’s. God has his reasons.
- Whatever happens, though, we can share in the saints’ assurance that he is listening. He will always use the most loving means to fulfill his plan for our lives.
“Father, thank you for your great love,
which gives me confidence to approach you in faith
and ask for healing.
Jesus, may your precious blood
wash over me as your Spirit moves in power.”
