Bible Reading: Acts 3:3-5
3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Thought for Reflection: ‘Look at me!’ this is no stern telling off from a teacher to a daydreaming child, but an invitation to enter into relationship. It is all too easy for us to ease our consciences by throwing money at a problem, but this was never Jesus’ way, nor the way of his disciples. Jesus’ primary gift was to invest himself in others. Had anyone else ever bothered to actually talk to this man? How many had simply passed by without even saying hello? By inviting him to look up from the floor and from his depression, Peter and John were giving back something more precious than a few pennies. They were giving dignity and respect.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, through Jesus you came and looked us in the eye, giving us dignity and a chance to have a relationship with you – far more precious than gold or silver. Help me notice those I normally pass by without a second thought and give them time as you did when you stopped for me.
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