April 13, 2010
Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
By Beth DeCristofaro
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. (Acts 4:32-34)
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ … If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?" (John 3:7b, 12)
Piety
Teach us, dear Lord, to number our days
That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Oh, satisfy us early with Thy mercy
That we may rejoice and be glad all of our days.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.
And establish Thou the work of our hands.
And let the Beauty of the Lord be upon us
And establish Thou the work of our hand, dear Lord.
(From Celtic Daily Prayer – A Northumbrian Office)
Study
There was no needy person among them. The early Christians certainly had an expansive, wondrous commitment to their community. They were ready to put their lives and livelihoods on the line for their faith in things unseen – the promise of a crucified rabbi – moved by the great power (of) the Apostles (who) bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The power of the Holy Spirit, which came to the apostles as like a strong driving wind, and tongues as of fire (Acts 2:2,3) was now blowing like a typhoon wind through their hearts and lips. Even though Peter and John were threatened by the council of leaders, the Apostles were not silenced and the people flocked to the message they bore.
Jesus’ message to Nicodemus (“You must be born from above.”) is illustrated in the choice of Apostles and people who put their faith, their very lives in heavenly things. Trusting in earthly things had not brought them freedom. They are freed as they unfasten themselves from the things of the world – possessions, fear, oppression, and help each other to live with mutual love and sharing.
Action
What are our earthly addictions which keep us from being born from above? In our Spring cleaning what can go: clothes, books? That extra car? Our fear of political opponents? Our resentments of old hurts? Our desire to rise to the top?
Do we burn to bear witness to the resurrection by the choices we make every day?
