Tuesday - 2nd Week of Easter

"The whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.

With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet."                Acts 4:32-37

 We hear an image of a communal life in the early Church in today's first reading. Each gave as they had the ability - each received as they had a need. Together they lived for the common good.  I am reminded of how I was informed early in my time at St. Mary's that the Motto or Slogan for Simcoe County is "for the greater Good".

One might be forgiven for thinking that this is an image of Communism - which we have seen fail in our lifetime. But I think its not so much about the Totalitarian regime type of Communism  which did indeed fail, but rather the image of Solidarity - which is what helped to bring down the Communist Eastern Block and the Berlin Wall.  

Right now we are acting on this principle of caring for the common good - the greater good - in our efforts at Physical Distancing. Caring for the health of each other - for our common good.

There is a Famous Quote from G. K. Chesterton: 

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”

It is not always easy to live for the common good - the Greater Good - but we know from sacred Scripture, and deep within, that doing so brings life!

Peace