Eastertide
April 2, 2018
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Following a disaster, humans have an uncanny ability to become one in response. Each person does whatever is needed to address the crisis being faced. Why is it so difficult to sustain that oneness?
Following the events around what is now called Pentecost, Christ followers became one as he had desired they do. It did not last long. Even people in homogenous groups are diverse having differing gifts. Oneness requires a deep commitment to equality and equity while the forces of society lead people to kick against those goads. A goad is a spiked stick used for driving cattle. Cattle must be moved from one place to another most often to find a new supply of food or water. Before grass and water supplies are used up herders move the animals to a better spot. The cattle do not necessarily want to leave and thus the herders guide the cattle along the right path using goads. In Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Jesus speaks to him about his working hard to define his own path rather than following God’s.
When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 26:14)
Stressed throughout the history of the people of God, equality and equity are qualities that shape the direction of our lives. They are essential components of the oneness Jesus called us to attain. Following the path of God is our choice, and the results are designed for human good. We must be mindful of our attempts to kick against God’s plan even when we think what we are doing is of God.
Prayer: Lord, heal our souls so that we can work in oneness together toward the establishment of a world where all have enough, and each is enabled to contribute their portion in love. Amen.