On Divine Mercy Sunday we read in Acts 2:44-45, “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.”
Oh My Goodness! Can you imagine? Look at the example these disciples set. They heard the good news of Jesus’s resurrection. They believed and trusted. When they encountered the promises of the resurrection, they willingly sold assets and gave for the common good of all. What a great demonstration of detachment from material goods. What a legacy of faith and trust!
They gave and trusted that God would provide for them. They trusted God’s divine mercy and showed mercy by caring more for the needs of others than for their own. They were not coerced. In their joy over the good news of the resurrection, they couldn’t help it. They were more concerned with giving to the needs of the community than for their own financial comfort. That is a radical departure from common economic practice – then and now.
We know that living our Christian faith is counter cultural. The foundation of that is the mindset we as stewards embrace—namely, the truth that “It’s Not Mine.” Everything is a gift from God. Every moment of time, every ounce of talent, and every dime of treasure we have is because God gives them to us. We are to receive them gratefully, develop and manage them well, and use them for the good of all. In gratitude and with utmost humility, we are to return them with increase to the Lord.
What might our community be, what would our world look like if we all lived this way? What would your legacy be if you lived and gave in such radical faith?
When you do, how do you decide how much to give, and to whom? Look for charities that serve the poor and most vulnerable amongst us by feeding, clothing, housing, educating, and helping. Give to them.
St. Basil the Great said, “The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it.”
Give in service to those most in need. Give because It’s Not Your Money.
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