The man's friends are carrying out their daily routine of positioning him by the Temple gate so he can beg for alms.
Peter and John have compassion upon him, so they stop those who are carrying the man and Peter says to him, "I have no silver or gold, but I give you what I have." Peter gives this man his confidence in Jesus.
My meditation this morning began with a reflection on how the man and his friends had settled for what considered to be the best they could hope for. They were prepared to spend this day as they had spent so many earlier days, finding a way to survive. They were prepared to be content with a few coins and enough food to fill their bellies.
How often do we settle? How frequently do we reach some plateau and fail to strive for even more? This can be particularly true with regard to our spiritual quest or journey.
The next part of my morning meditation picks up on the words of Peter. He has no "silver or gold," but he does have something to give.
You will be going through a lot of silver and gold these days. Tuition and housing have been paid, but you are likely still buying books, a Clemson T-shirt or two, supplies for your newly established house, and all those meals which mom and dad pay for when you are at home with them. You will have silver and gold on your mind.
But don't overlook the other wealth in your life. Don't fail to realize that what you have which is of greatest value is that which you can give freely and never diminish. Do not fail to offer and to redistribute your awareness of God's goodness, God's grace, and God's hope for us all.
You will observe many in these days of adjusting to life at school who will be content with where they are and think there is nothing more for them. Enter into their misconceived complacency and share with them the Good News.
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