Solomon's Portico

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Solomon's Portico

Apostles   Peter's   Shadow

Signs   Wonders   Miracles

They Were All Cured

Believers

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Acts of the Apostles 5:15

As the apostles met in Solomon's portico, many of the people carried the sick into the streets.

They would put them on mats so that when Peter came by at least his shadow would fall on them and they would be cured.

Reflection

How powerful is your shadow?

In our reading from the Acts of the Apostles we encounter an amazing shadow---a shadow that heals many who are sick. The people believed in that shadow because they had seen up close healings that Jesus had done through Peter. 

This ability to heal and make people whole again motivated these early followers to bring the sick near to Peter. They had been gathering at Solomon's portico in the temple area and had observed the path that Peter was taking. 

I can just imagine the scene as the people brought all the sick to Jerusalem and lined them up on the side of the street. You can feel the joy as the people got better.

This incident invites us to have that same faith that these earlier followers had. We can bring those who are in need of healing to Jesus through our prayers and by our caring acts of love in visiting the sick and the wounded.

There are many levels of healing that are needed today. We can think of those who are lonely and have no one to visit them. There are many who are homeless and seem to be forgotten in our society. People are fleeing persecution and death threats in their home country and need to find security and safety.

Are we ready to get our mats and to bring those who feel isolated to that healing shadow of Peter? 

Peter was able to heal because he was one with Jesus. He had experienced the forgiveness of Jesus and the power of the resurrection. He truly believed that Jesus could overcome all the obstacles of fear and doubt that many of us place in front of us. 

When we become believers, the powerful shadows of faith and love will heal our wounds and strengthen us to bring our mats to others in need.

Enjoy those shadows!

1. Have you experienced the power of healing in your life?

2. What are some of the healings that we need today in our society?

3. How important is belief as we seek to bring our sisters and brothers for healing?

4. What do you experience as you reflect on Kathy's photo of Pope Francis?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)