Acts , Chapter 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
Reflection:
It is generally accepted that what many, if not most people take away at each hearing or reading of this passage is the phrase
“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.”.
Ignoring the similarities to a Marxism experiment, this sounds much like a priestly vow of chastity.
But closer examination of the full passage brings clarification when one considers the example provided, specifically
“Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.”
“A Piece of property, not his property”. We are not asked here to specifically sell all our property, or even a piece of property for that matter. What we are being reminded of is to share our gifts with those in need, whatever we in good conscience identify as our blessings and gifts from above.
The fact we are here, (listening to me, of all people) shows commitment to sharing Gods grace and mercy with those less fortunate than ourselves. The example set for us by the early disciples is our call to arm to ensure those we meet and serve are nourished – both in body and in spirit. The challenge is to find every opportunity to show our clients the Grace and Goodness of Christ in their interactions with us, and not let us be defined as mere earthly carriers of cookies and cash. Let them remember us for our goodness.
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