All Things in Common (2nd Sunday of Easter)

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The reading from Acts gives us a window into the social life of the early church. Christians were known for taking care of the needy among them, making sure that no one was destitute. This was part of the witness of the early church, and many came to faith in Christ by witnessing the charity of believers.

This passage should not be misinterpreted to mean that believers are compelled to give away everything they own. In rebuking Ananias and Sapphira, St. Peter told them, “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal?” (Acts 5:4) They were at liberty to keep all or part of what they owned, as long as they were truthful about it. Likewise, St. Paul tells the Corinthians, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) In other words, charity must come from a willing spirit, for God knows our intentions in giving.

Finally, we must remember that how we approach the poor among us will determine our destiny at the Final Judgment. As Tobit taught his son, “almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness. Indeed, almsgiving, for all who practice it, is an excellent offering in the presence of the Most High.” (Tobit 4:10-11) Also, as Jesus taught in the analogy of the sheep and the goats, whatever we do for the least of our brethren, we do for Him (Mt. 25:31-46). We must then take care to show our faith in Christ by taking care of those whom He has given us to care for, so that we may receive the reward of eternal life that has been promised to us.

J. Luis Dizon