Law explains that the idea of money as "currency" originated about 400 years ago. The word derives from "current," and the reason for the name is that, like water, money only helps when it flows. Money is not to be hoarded, but to be passed along. If it doesn't flow, it begins to stagnate and rot.
Seen in this way, Law argues that money is only one of many "currencies" that enrich and sustain people. Just as important are things like relationships, truth, wellness. These flow like money; they too are currencies. We may lack some of them, but we can build on those we do have.
In the reading, Peter and John are walking toward the temple when they meet a lame man who asks them for alms. Peter and John "looked intently at him" and Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." And the man stands up and walks, and leaps, and praises God.
In his condition, the only thing the lame man can imagine that might help him is money. He has people who lay him at the gate so he can beg, but apparently no one who can or will support him so he need not. He asks for the only currency he can expect. Peter and John, however, have received the Holy Spirit. And, like money, it cries out to be shared. It manifests here as the capacity for wellness, for healing. Rather than turning away and saying, "I can't help," they give what they have - which turns out to be so much more than any money they might have given!
So I'm thinking about the Holy Spirit, and all the ways she flows for the health of the body of Christ. I'm wondering about what currencies I have, and what I can share and give away. I think language is one of mine, so I'm trying to share with you. That's bound up with relationships - even with those of you I don't know, don't correspond with. I'm offering what I have received. But where else can I enter the circuit of gift? Where do you, can you, will you?
Go, be a blessing. You will receive more than you can imagine.
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