United with One heart and one soul

Readings: 1st: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93; Gos John 3:7-15

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

Today’s gospel is a continuation of the conversation between Christ and Nicodemus. As we saw yesterday, in the conversation, Jesus said that the only way that Nicodemus could understand the things of God was to be born again.

This was completely misunderstood by Nicodemus. Today, Jesus goes further to remind us that this is possible through the Spirit of God. Of course, We do not see the Spirit with our eyes, but the effects of the Spirit should be seen in our lives.

Today’s first reading from Acts of the apostles has much to teach us. From it, we learn how the early Christians lived. Luke tells us that they were united, in one heart and one soul. They generously shared their possessions with one another.

In fact, one Christian was so moved, that he sold a piece of his property and donated the money to the community. They lived like Christ, by sacrificing like Christ, and their unique testimony helped in the conversion of many. They preached through their action and love for one another.

Through their unity, they gave witness to the central element of their faith in the Risen Christ. While their material sharing was simply, an expression of the love they had for one other at a much deeper level.

Today, let us reflect on our own attitudes to material goods. How we acquire them, how we use them, how we share our material blessings with those in genuine need and not just out of our surplus. Let us ask the Lord to help us build a true Christian community lives with one heart and one soul.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!