Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
The first reading for today describes the life of Jesus’ disciples after his resurrection. It describes Jesus’ followers as a community and states that his followers were “one in mind and spirit.” Rather than having private property they “had everything in common.” The reading goes on to state that no one in the community of believers was needy. When new members joined the community, they would sell what they had and distribute the proceeds to those who were in need.
This is a beautiful image of a community: people who in fact share with each other out of devotion for God and people who are learning to live together in order to make all of their lives better. No one is taking more than their share. No one is hoarding possessions and money for themselves and depriving others of what they need. This community is united in a common purpose – namely, to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. They are inspired by what they have seen Jesus do, say, and preach. They are enthusiastic about his message and they want to make it real in their daily lives.
Jesus’ early followers were optimistic about what was possible if they worked together. Their story as told in the book of Acts is very inspirational, and it is often held up as a model for who we should be as Christians today. Yet in the gospel reading for today Jesus reminds us just how difficult it is to live this way. Talking to Nicodemus, Jesus states that he needed to be lifted up on the cross and to rise from the dead and ascend into heaven. It is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that makes binds the community of Christian believers together. And by sharing in Jesus’ sacrifice we Christians become closer to each other.
I remember someone saying to me once that living in community with other Christians is harder than it sounds. It requires that people really are willing to share their lives with each other. At times this may mean that people will have disagreements. Yet disagreements will hopefully make people wiser and their communities stronger. Sometimes these disagreements can be deep, troublesome, and long lasting. And it is not always clear what to do when that happens.
By pointing to the example of the early Christians and their desire to live in accord with Jesus’ teachings, the scriptures for today mean to encourage us to live out our faith in community with others. Yet they also are intended to remind us of Jesus and his sacrifice. It is only because of Jesus’ death and resurrection that we are able to follow him and to live in Christian community with others.
As I reflect on the scriptures for today I pray that I will learn to recognize the ways that I have been a true friend to others. I also pray that I will learn to recognize how I can contribute to the lives of others. And finally I pray for the unity and peace among Christians that can only come when we take Jesus seriously when he teaches us to love and serve God and our neighbor.
- Joel Schickel