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Religious Life
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.
I have heard people use this statement from the Acts of the Apostles to state that the early Church was communist, since everything was held in common. But this represents an incorrect understanding of what is being described here. This is really more a description of religious life, like my Dominican life.
How so? Well, first and foremost, we need to discuss the basis of religious life. It has been called a school of charity, since one purpose is to help members to live together in harmony. Various religious communities gather for a variety of purposes, namely a gift or charism. That is, something intended to be used for the entire church.
And the reading we encounter today is the very beginning of life in the Church. In the name of Jesus the apostles are doing amazing things. And there are many who have witnessed the resurrected Christ, and so it is easy to see how joining the lives of those who followed the Way, as it was called, into one community which looks out for one another as the next step.
The reading then points the way to moving from a band of disciples around a teacher, to a band of disciples who are following Jesus and casting their lots in with others. In the face of persecution, the community of brothers serves as a pleasant reminder of what each of us need to grow in our faith.
On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.
