Trust in Him

Readings for Tuesday April 13, 2010

First Reading: Acts 4:32-37
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93
Gospel: John 3:7-15


The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles (Acts 4:32-37)

Today we read about what things were like in the early Christian community, and if I had to pick just one word to describe this community, it would be 'trusting.' This group sold all that they had and just relied on God, this must have been a very powerful witness to all those around them. We also read that because of this trust in the Lord, that "there was no need person among them." This early Christian community had their priorities straight, they didn't worry about accumulating material possessions, they only worried about serving God and accumulating spiritual wealth.

Imagine if the people in every parish today were like this early community. This would truly be an amazing sight, to see people more concerned with the work of God than their own person wants. Sadly it is not like this, and in fact most people are doing the exact opposite, instead of giving all they have to God they are giving all to themselves. People do this because they are worried about 'going without', but what they do not realize is that by building up material things in their life, they are going without Spiritually. So many of us do not treat this life like the temporary residence that it is, we try to accumulate lots of 'things', but can we take all of these things with us when we die? Are all of our possessions going to be important when we are on our deathbed? Do all of these things strengthen our relationship with God and others? The answer to each of these questions is 'No." The truth of the matter is that there is only one things that we need in this life, and that is God. The early Christian community learned this by letting go of the world and by trusting in Him.

Today, let us reflect on these verses from the Gospel of Matthew: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? (Mt 6:25-27)

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us to place all of our trust in you, may we stand firmly in our faith and never buckle under pressure. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.