The marketing of these reflections is “from a student’s perspective,” so thus as I am a student I can not help transposing the scene into my own life here at Creighton.  It is always helpful for me to think about how the events of the readings would transpire if they took place today and what character in the story I would be.  Today, I can not decide whether I would be Peter or John, the beggar, or Cleopas or the other disciple. 

The readings today left me feeling joyful.  Both the first reading and the Gospel tell of a “meeting on the street” which brings forth believers in amazement of what they encounter.  They tell the stories of individuals selflessly giving of themselves for strangers they meet.  They also tell the story of people astounded by this love.  What appropriate readings in the days after Easter.

In the first reading, Peter and John use their gifts to help the crippled man outside the temple.  When the man gets up I believe he praises God not only for being healed but for being liberated so that he too is able to share his gifts with others.

In the Gospel, two of Jesus’ disciples are walking along, perhaps on their way to the temple.  They engage in small talk with this man they meet, excitedly sharing the news of the Resurrection.  They are amazed to find out, after inviting him to share a meal with them, that the man they did not recognize is Jesus.

In the spirit of the Easter season, today’s readings remind us of the little ways we are able to open ourselves to other people “on our way to the temple.”  I am reminded to choose to be “filled with amazement and astonishment at what happened” and to look for and notice the small ways I can share my talents and allow others to give of their gifts to me.  I can not help but think about similar acts of kindness, which I often do not realize, taking place today on 24^th Street, the main city street the divides the campus and connects Creighton with the rest of Omaha, everyday.  So, how are we amazed by love in everyday life?

Peter said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you." (Acts 3:6)