Thoughts on Life and Leading

A story is recorded of the famous theologian Thomas Aquinas visiting the Renaissance Pope, Pope Innocent II. The Pope showed Thomas the abundance of funds in the church treasury, the works of art, the extravagant decorations and ornaments in the chapel. "You see, Thomas," said the Pope, "the church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’ “(referring to the words of Peter and John in Acts 3:6 when healing the paralysed man) "True," Thomas replied, "but neither can she now say, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ, Rise and walk.’ " (which was the second part of Peter and John’s statement in Acts 3:6)