Wednesday in the Easter Octave – Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35
On the road to Emmaus, the disciples walked with the risen Jesus and did not recognise Him at first. Yet in the breaking of the bread, their eyes were opened. There is something deeply comforting about that: Christ is often closest when we least expect Him. Easter is not only about sacrifice, but about new life, presence, and hope made real.
That same hope shines through the first reading, when the man lame from birth is healed. He had expected a few coins, but Peter offers something far greater: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” What a beautiful reminder that God does not merely patch up our lives — He transforms them.
When we face illness, disability, or the burden of growing old, it is natural to ask, “Why?” Suffering can feel unbearable, especially when it seems undeserved. But the Gospel assures us that suffering is not God’s desire for us. He permits it, yes, but He does not will it as our final destiny. Christ heals the sick, raises the broken, and opens the way to eternal life.
So, when we pray for health — for ourselves and for those we love — we are not going against God’s will. We are asking for His mercy. And even if healing does not come now, we hold on to the sure hope that, in heaven, every wound will be made whole.
Lord God, I ask for health — for my loved ones, for myself, and for all those suffering in ways I cannot even see. You know each one by name. Please heal us, or at least lighten our burden. And in the meantime, plant deep in our hearts a calm and steady peace, born from hope in the life still to come. Amen.
