April 19, 2009: 2nd Sunday of Easter

Think of what you can do to truly imitate Jesus’ life and to be unselfish in our actions.

Those who believed were of one heart and one mind. They did not claim ownership of their possessions but had everything 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 were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need. (Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35)

During these weeks of Easter the Scriptures tell us about the appearances of Jesus to his apostles and other believers following his resurrection. Miraculous as these stories are, equally amazing are the accounts from the Acts of the Apostles describing the first Christians and how they lived. They truly imitated Jesus’ life and were very unselfish in their actions. We are called to follow Jesus just as radically as our brothers and sisters who lived in the 1st century. Can you imagine today’s world if those of us who have more than enough gave our extras to those who don’t have enough? Just think about it!

Action:

Look around your bedroom. What do you really need? Take a thing or two to St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, or a local “store” for the poor. Or, if you need everything you have, consider making a donation of money to a local charity. In any case, check out your plan with one of your parents before you do anything.