Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
The community of believers described in the Acts of the Apostles is a beautiful and inspiring image of our call to unity and care for one another as Christians. The community of Acts was enthusiastically applying the teachings of Jesus to ensure that the needs of all were met. They trusted the decision making of the apostles and we are told there were no needy persons among them. It is a vision of what we are called to be as couples and families as well as our vowed religious communities and church families. And we know that it is not easy. It demands a love that trusts in the others we are committed with, and ultimately in God. It means lovingly letting go of full control, and trusting that our needs are going to be met. It invites us to recognize that everything we receive in life is a gift; gifts we have received freely, and thus are called to generously share.
As a vowed religious Marianist sister, I have committed myself in covenant with my sisters, and to shared ownership of goods with my sisters with whom I live. We share beyond ourselves with others in our USA unit, and help other countries in our congregation too. There are times when it is hard for me to not ‘get my way’ or to have to adjust my preferred schedule or foods or have less, out of care for the other. Yet, I know that going beyond myself and sharing and receiving the gifts of others is key to my true happiness. Families have similar challenges and joys, and do the same sacrificing for one another to care for everyone’s needs.
A story about how hard it is to blend our lives and cultural traditions in coming together anew was depicted in the classic 1968 movie, Yours, Mine and Ours, featuring the comedic widow Lucille Ball (with 8 children) and widower Henry Fonda (father of 10) who married each other in midlife. They combined their two already large families into a new household of 20 in all and another baby soon on the way! The movie still brings a chuckle and portrays the many practical challenges involved in forming a new family and community.
We are called to apply this same family and community care beyond those we live with. Blending our parishes into new Families and welcoming immigrants and refugees into our local communities, and providing for the needs of others rather than keeping things for ourselves is integral to our Christian calling. It is not always easy, yet the new cultural traditions - music, dance, food and sacred customs bring a rewarding richness. Our generous welcome of one another, and sharing from our resources with those in need witnesses Christ’s love for the world as we become believers of one heart and mind. May that light of welcome and love ever shine from us in the joy and hope of this Easter season and always!
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, Marianist Sisters