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Acts: 4:32-37
The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the Apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
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.
Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas
(which is translated “son of encouragement”),
a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,
sold a piece of property that he owned,
then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.
The Word of the Lord.
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Throughout the Easter Season, we read from the Acts of the Apostles, which describes what life was like within the early Christian community.
As we hear today, “The community of believers was of one heart and one mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.”
Barnabas, for example, sells all of his property and places the profits at the feet of the Apostles, to be used at their discretion.
Today that’d be like selling your home and car, downsizing to the basics, and giving all of the proceeds to charity.
It sounds extreme, but that’s who we are as a Church.
We are generous people who consistently offer our time, treasure, talent, and occasionally lay down our lives for the sake of the Gospel.
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Over the last two millennia, the Church has commissioned more missionaries, founded more hospitals, schools, orphanages, soup kitchens, high schools and universities than any other institution in history.
Occasionally, these sacrifices are highlighted by the lives of Saints like Barnabas, Mother Teresa, even Pope Francis, but most often these sacrifices are made by ordinary people like us who live out our faith in little ways.
We may not sell our homes or die as martyrs, but how many of us offer sacrifices to the Lord, which when added up count for something significant?
Some of you purify our linens for Mass; others bring communion to the sick or homebound; others serve as staff, catechists, intercessors, SPX bakers, choir members, counters, ministry leaders, Christian parents, and so on.
When added up, it creates an offering – an aroma – pleasing to God.
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May the spirit of Barnabas – a spirit of generosity and encouragement – continue growing within the Church as we all seek to do something beautiful for God.
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Image credits: (1) Speak with People (2) I Am Church (3) Watanable & Company