One more note of introduction: The liturgy of the Church is carefully crafted and constructed. There are many phrases repeated by the assembled, which are not often enough taken to heart. Another advantage of printed liturgies is you can take these home, and re-read what you said in the confession, what you prayed for, and the affirmations spoken to you.
Now - Sunday's readings. Acts 4:32-35.
The opening line affirmed that 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."
When did the Church stop this practice? When did Christians return to the ways of the world in which personal possessions are the norm?
I am as quick as anyone to say, "Well, you can't just do that..." But when I hear myself saying such things, I do catch myself and wonder "Why" we can't do that.
As college students, you may not think of yourself as one with many possessions. But think again. And think about your aspirations and life-dreams.
This passage in Acts says this group of followers sold their possessions and the proceeds were redistributed as "any had need."
Before you dismiss these verses of scripture, consider what they might say to you about your life and your life-style. Perhaps the experience of being one heart and one soul with others is yoked to how we see the things which have come into our possession.
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