In today’s First Reading we see the first Christian community united in mind and heart and demonstrating a charity that puts the needs of others first. Even today the Church strives to perform corporal and spiritual works of mercy in many ways: charitable institutions, healthcare, education, counseling, prayer, and so on. While we don’t do it in exactly the same way today (with the exception of certain forms of consecrated life and apostolic life that do pool their resources and make a vow of poverty) it does remind us of the principle behind our giving: making sure everyone gets what they really need.
If we measure up our Church life to that of the first Christians, we realize that unity of mind and heart goes beyond a small donation in the collection basket every Sunday. There are many needs inside and outside the Church today, and addressing those needs is much more complex than in the days of the first Christians. This shouldn’t discourage us; rather, it should inspire us to seek the best ways to truly address the real needs of as many people as we can. It begins at home caring for our own family, but it also extends to finding ways to effectively help the poor and afflicted get back on their feet, not just subsist from one handout to another. This requires a combined effort, which is why the practice of real charity in these cases is the best way to unite the hearts and minds of believers behind a common cause: the cause of the Gospel translated into kindness and concern.
Let’s thank Our Lord for all those people in our life who have helped address our needs, and let’s resolve to help others to identify and address their true needs as well.
Readings: Acts 4:32–37; Psalm 93:1–2, 5; John 3:7b–15. See also Second Week of Easter,Tuesday