# Easter Wednesday – Signs and Wonders
*2016-03-31*

> Bill Young reflects on the Easter Wednesday reading from Acts 3, exploring the miracle of the lame man healed by Peter and its connection to Divine Mercy devotion.

## The Easter Wednesday Reading

We begin with the passage from Acts 3:6: “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise and walk.” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, commands a crippled beggar to stand, and the man is instantly healed, leaping and praising God. Luke notes that the onlookers were filled with amazement and began to proclaim what had happened.

## What the Miracle Signifies

Father Jerome Crowe explains that this miracle is a symbol of the salvation offered to all who invoke the name of Jesus. It reminds us that the power of Christ’s name can bring both physical and spiritual healing. The event also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, which occurred at the same hour—traditionally the third hour of the afternoon.

## Divine Mercy and the Hour of Great Mercy

The Divine Mercy devotion highlights the “Hour of Great Mercy,” the same third hour when Christ died. Around the world, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at this time, uniting the faithful in remembrance of Christ’s boundless mercy. This practice links the early apostolic miracle to our contemporary prayer life.

## A Simple Prayer of Trust

“Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, I stand amazed at the power of your Name to heal and save. Remind me to call upon your Name whenever I am in need. Alleluia! Amen.”

*The healing of the lame man reminds us that invoking Jesus’ name brings both immediate grace and the promise of eternal mercy.*