They shared everything in common…

This past Sunday, we heard a reading from the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 4, verses 32-35).  It described a very beautiful first century experience of Church that could only have been enabled by the Holy Spirit.  People would sell all that they had and lay it at the feet of the Apostles to be distributed to everyone.  There was no needy person among them.  The Apostles spoke with power about the resurrection.  No one claimed possessions for him / herself; and they held everything in common. 

One observation, and some questions about this:

• Observation: By the time the events of the early Church were recorded in Acts of the Apostles, the sharing and mutual solidarity is being referred to in the past tense. 
• Question 1: Are there any groups of Christians who live this way today? 
• Question 2: What does this reading challenge us to do today?

The mutuality and sharing of the early Christians probably was not practiced for very long.  It slowly become apparent that Jesus was not coming again very soon.  But, there was a belief that he could come at any time.  People had to provide for their families and the community, which meant that they could not just sell all their property and live off the proceeds.  It was still held up as the ideal way of life.  Even today we acknowledge that all we have comes from God.  Our possessions, our gifts, and our time are all to be at the service of our Lord.  In a sense we spiritually lay all that we have at the feet of the Apostles. 

There are Christians who live this way of life today.  Many religious orders (religious brothers, monks, religious sisters, nuns) are made up of members who keep nothing as their own.  Their salaries go to their religious community, and they receive money for living expenses, education, and health care.  One example is Fr. Larry Abler, O.F.M. Cap.  He is a member of the Capuchin Franciscans.  When he moves from one assignment to the next, he only takes what can fit in his car. 

The challenge for us today is to put all of our resources to the use of the Church that Jesus Christ established, and fulfilling our obligations to care for children and aging parents.  There are many ways to do this, but they all begin with some basic steps. 

1. The first bill that we should pay each week is our contribution to our parish.  The Old Testament guideline is a tithe, 10% of our income.  Maybe we could start with our first hour of pay each week.  Our annual salary divide by 2,080 would be 2.5%. 
2. Every minute of every day should be dedicated to God.  Would Jesus drive the way that we drive?  Would he approve of how we talk to our children or parents?  How would Jesus want me to spend my time?  
3. The final suggestion is perhaps the most difficult to figure out, but the most rewarding to do.  Find the talent that each one of us has.  What am I or you, or our fellow parishioner good at?  When we know our gifts, and put them at the service of the Kingdom of God, we return, with the help of the Holy Spirit, 10 times what we receive.