—Acts 4:32–35—St. Luke gives us a snapshot of the early Church in Jerusalem. Reflecting the love that Christ has for us, they loved each other by taking care of one another. Two thousand years later, we can reflect that same love of Jesus for us by caring for one another.
The early Christians prayed dynamically, witnessed boldly, and shared their possessions unselfishly.
The first Christians had everything in common: a common faith, love for God, possession of the Spirit, and a common concern for each other as members of God’s family. What they had in common enabled them to have a community, and in that community they were able to communicate with each other and with Christ. To have commonality is to have a oneness. Yet, like all of us today, they were people of many difference; age, talents, education, size, weight, etc. The common faith welded all of these differences of people into a community of love.
What did the Apostles preach? What power they gave a gospel of the Resurrection. The Resurrection then was the keystone of the Christian faith. Take out the Resurrection and the gospel falls apart because then it is no longer good news! The Resurrection assures us that Jesus is the Son of God whose death was a sacrifice for sin. The central theme of every sermon must still be Christ crucified and risen.
Prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for life as a baptized child of God: Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
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