Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes an incredibly cohesive and charitable way of living, including selflessly not claiming any possession of one's own. It all begins with the foundation that the "Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all." The result: there was no needy person among them. Imagine a parish, town, city, or nation like that!
However, most of us would feel we couldn’t do what they did. And although I’ve seen versions of this in religious life, as I am a diocesan priest, as well as on my visits to small villages in Peru, and also right nearby here in Easton and Taunton, MA.
In the first case, I’ve seen priests and brothers who share cars, help one another in many ways, and live a common life that unites them in the Lord.
In Peru, I saw people form food co-ops that increased their purchasing power, allowed mothers to share family responsibilities like shopping, and food preparation, and to provide for those who were needy.
Another version of this exists in our local parishes, with the St. Vincent de Paul Societies. Groups of people who donate, collect, and distribute food, and help with other needs such as heat and electricity.
And right next door to us is My Brother’s Keeper, a Catholic-based organization that distributes furniture that is donated, collected, and distributed by people who give their possessions to those in need.
Then there are people like yourselves, who see a need in their family, parish, neighborhood, nation, or beyond and take the time to cook food, help in some other way, or give money to those in dire straits. And there are countless other examples.
Another verse that caught my eye was, "the community of believers was of one heart and mind."
So often, we set out to be unified and care for one another, but then we get burned or fearful that no one will be there in our time of need.
This is when we need to have faith in God. That’s where it all began for the community described in today’s reading.
Next, we need to be united in God’s care for others and guided by the Holy Spirit to make both just and compassionate decisions about how we share our talents and treasure.
Spurred on by this example of the first Christians, the joy of the Easter Season, let’s take some time with our families today to talk about who needs our help, then pray and give what we can: our talents, time, treasure, and yes, the message of Jesus Christ, one of love and hope, too.
