Throughout the Easter season, the Church reads passages from Luke’s book, the Acts of the Apostles. In Acts 2, the Spirit comes upon the community of Jesus’ disciples and sets their tongues afire. Peter gives a fiery sermon that concludes “God has made both Lord and Messiah this Jesus whom you crucified” (2.36). This is the same word Thomas speaks, “My Lord and my God.”
Peter’s sermon demonstrates what words can do. His preaching cuts his audience to the heart; thousands confess their sins and are baptized in the name of Jesus.
Those sent forth by the Spirit with fiery tongues bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection throughout Acts. Sunday’s first reading describes another effect of their words. The Easter word that Jesus is risen creates community. The Christians in Jerusalem form a community of one heart and mind. Believers hold their goods in common and distribute goods justly, according to people’s need.
That the good news of Easter can constitute just and loving community is one proof in every age the good news is true. Now, as then, words — words about Jesus, spoken in Jesus’ name — change lives and “turn the world upside down” (Acts 17.6).
One mind, one heart
The community of believers were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything as his or her own; rather, everything was held in common. With power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great respect was paid to them all; nor was there anyone needy among them, for all who owned property or houses sold them and donated the proceeds. They used to lay them at the feet of the apostles to be distributed to everyone according to his or her need.
Acts of the Apostles 4.32-35
- How does the Christian community today make God present in the world?
- How do you test that Christianity is real?