ONE HEART AND MIND
We can do much to show concrete concern for the neglected, the poor, the elderly, those in great need of clothing, shelter and food, and the list goes on.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy wrote, "I have come to the conclusion that the most important element in human life is faith. From faith, and through it, we come to a new understanding of ourselves and all the world about us. It puts everything into a spiritual focus... so that love and joy and happiness, along with worry, sorrow, and loss, become a part of a large picture which extends far beyond time and space."
Today's Gospel of John (Jn. 3:7b-15) concludes by telling us that all who have put their trust in the One Who was lifted up on the Cross and raised from the dead will have eternal life in Christ Jesus. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, likewise suggests how we can begin to practice this eternal life here and now. Acts describes the daily life of the early Christians; still in a glow from the Resurrection! There's a profound unity, a sharing of all they had and a concern that no one in their midst should suffer from deprivation. We know that in our human nature such a perfect society is almost too good to be true. After all, all we need to do is turn on the television and hear the critics among us telling us how divided we are in this world.
Our challenge is to take a look within our own churches and have the vision of the beautiful ideal pictured in the Acts of the Apostles. We can do much to show concrete concern for the neglected, the poor, the elderly, those in great need of clothing, shelter and food, and the list goes on. May we do it with generous hearts!
We are born of the Spirit, called to be of one heart and mind!