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The Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Grace and peace,
The above passage was included in our lectionary readings this past Sunday, and contributed to my sermon. In my sermon I mentioned two things about this passage; first, the apostles were focused not with the differences among the people, but with their commonality. Second, the apostles were focused on acting for the common good. These are important points, but like most scripture, this passage is like an onion – it has many layers.
Looking again at this portion of the Acts of the Apostles, it can be noted that in the early church this passage formed the basis for the creation of monastic communities. With only a little imagination, we can see the image of a monastic community in the call to devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers. This is the essence of the lives of most monks and nuns who live in a dedicated community.
The passage also says that they broke bread and ate their food with glad and generous hearts. What a wonderful image – they ate their food with glad and generous hearts. This is clearly not a description of a drive-thru meal-to-go eaten while sitting in traffic. This is a glimpse of a true common life, and a sharing of hope and joy.
Now, I ask you to ponder a few questions: first, when have you experienced a glimpse of the hope and joy of a common life?
Second, four ways to ask the same question; for those of us who do not live within the walls of a monastic structure, what can WE do, as a community of followers of Christ, to create a common life? What can WE do to follow in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and the prayers? What can WE do to gather with glad and generous hearts? How can WE create and nurture this type of community?
Think about this, wrestle with this, and share your thoughts, hopes, or concerns with me, or Deacon Nancy or Mother Shivaun.
Peace
Fr. Henry+
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