SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR C
Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118
Revelations 1:9-11a,12-13,17-19; John 20:19-31
LIVING IN THE COMMUNION OF THE CHURCH
The Acts of the Apostles presents us with the life of the first Christians. It tells us how they began to form and identify themselves as a distinct group. We read what gradually defined them, as time went by.
In the first reading, there are two quite contrasting statements: “none of the others dared to join them” and “great numbers of men and women were added to the community”. It is right to wonder how one can reconcile these two statements
The point is that, the death of Ananias and Sapphira in the preceding verses frightened people away and they had to give their desire of joining the Community second thoughts. If they merely wanted to join because of the euphoria surrounding this new group as with all new phenomena, this event gave them a moment to reflect deeper on their decision.
The second statement indicate that joining the community was for those who were truly committed. That event, of Ananias and Sapphira, pointed out to those contemplating joining the group that, it was not a serious commitment they were making. To be a Christian and be part of the church requires a higher level of commitment and sincerity.
A Christian cannot be insincere. What these two did was insincere and deceptive. We cannot be willing to be used by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, and yet be insincere and deceitful in our actions. A deceptive heart and a mouth that tells lies cannot have fellowship with the Spirit of truth.
Furthermore, Ananias and Sapphira broke fellowship with the community. As a community they had agreed to live by sharing things in common for the good of all. In this regard, many people freely shared their possession and resources for the common good of all. Likewise, as a church we have a common life and all must be part of it. This common life expressed first of all in our faith. The creed we pray every Sunday is that communion of faith. It is the basis of our fellowship. The creed is the pledge of the church.
Furthermore, this pledge is the principle upon which we build our Christian life. The creed is not a list of options but expressions of our Christian faith fully expressed in succinct language.
As a parish or a local church, there are certain activities that are planned to be undertaken as a community. Sunday and daily Masses, Parish feast days, adorations, Rosary prayers clean-up exercises are some of the parish level activities. In fact, the parish is the basic unit of the church and so everyone must be part of its life. Everyone should engage in the activities of the parish even if it does not satisfy personal feelings.
There is however a danger that must be checked in many parishes. There seem to be a trend where people are becoming more committed and dedicated to their group and societal activities than that of the Parish in general. We must keep in mind that, the groups and societies should be at the service of the Parish in general not the other way round.
When we act alone and seek to be by ourselves, we become like Ananias and Sapphira- We die. This death is not physical but spiritual. Spiritually, we cut ourselves off from the fellowship of the Church. This happens not only to individual who separate themselves from the fellowship of the church but also groups and societies. A sincere evaluation at the personal and group level will affirm this.
It is only when we are together, committed to the Church’s programme, and are sincere and honest that signs and wonders will be seen in our midst. It is in this communion of the church that, the Divine Mercy of the Lord makes sense. Only then are we able to carry that grace of mercy to others.
Now more than ever, the world needs committed and sincere Catholics.
Will you be one?
By Rev. Fr. Delight Carbonu
