Tuesday 18 April 2023

Today is Tuesday the 18th of April, in the second week of Easter.


The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’, by George Arthur. As we prepare to reflect on the early followers of Christ in today’s reflection, begin to ponder what it would look like for us to be “one in Christ” now…

When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home.
Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory.




Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.


Acts 4:32-37

Now 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.


This portrait of a community of faith is, perhaps, an ideal. But something precious and worth holding on to. Can you imagine a community like this?

Do you recognise this Christian vision in your understanding of faith?

Have there been any occasions when you have experienced this oneness of heart and mind within a community?

‘There was not a needy person among them.’ Perhaps this comment is as much about the outpouring of grace that the community experienced, as the practical and social sharing. Perhaps grace, gratitude and generosity are all part of the same spiritual experience? How may we reflect on our attitude to personal wealth? Do we share material blessings with those in need?


As you listen to the passage again, reflect on how you might make present this community of loving kindness…

Take time with the Lord, resting in this outpouring of grace.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.