There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. (Acts 4:34-35 NABRE)
Based on the writings of Luke, we see three characteristics of life in the earliest Christian community:
- Adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of its religious life in the Eucharistic liturgy
- A system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the community’s poor required it
- Continued attendance at the temple
Today's verse describes the "sharing of material possessions [which] continues a practice that Luke describes during the historical ministry of Jesus and is in accord with the sayings of Jesus in Luke’s gospel."*
I'm reminded of Saint Paul's words to the Corinthians (9:6), which echo Proverbs 11:24, "Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
Today, on this second Tuesday of the Easter season, I will consider my own wealth and profound blessings, and seek to act with generosity.
Blessed Peter Gonzalez, who was humbled one day and gave his life over to service, pray for us.
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