Eastertide
April 24, 2023
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Several reports have been issued recently about the reduction of people participating in religious practices. According to the Pew Research Center* those who identify as Christian dropped from 78% in 2007 to 65% in 2019. There are more people who identify as spiritual but not religious. I fear our combining our faith with our worldview has turned people away in some instances and strengthen some peoples’ hold on being the definers of Christianity in other cases. We are indeed seeing the results of a house divided cannot stand. (Matthew 25:12)
The example of the birth of the Christian faith described in the above scripture is one we need to take to heart. The informality of the awakening did eventually require some organization, but it might be a great example for us to follow today as we strive for the building of the Beloved Community Christ envisioned. Pentecost awaits. It is time we get our act together and become the Body of Christ in the world today.
The refrain of the song Day by Day follows a prayer ascribed to the 13th-century English bishop Saint Richard of Chichester:
May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly.**
Prayer: Lord, strengthen us in serving your vision more nearly. Amen.
**Philip H. Pfatteicher (2008). New Book of Festivals and Commemorations: A Proposed Common Calendar of Saints. Fortress Press. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-8006-2128-5.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.