Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

READINGS

Reading 1 Acts 4:32-37

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas(which is translated "son of encouragement"), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.

REFLECTION

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them...(Acts 4: 32-34)

When I read this passage in readings today, I realize that the Apostles had received the Holy Spirit and Jesus was already Ascended into heaven.

Now the Holy Spirit is teaching the Apostles and their followers how to live in peace together. This is a preview of what Jesus taught the Apostles when they asked Him to teach them how to pray. He taught them the "Our Father"

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say,

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is debted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

(Luke 11: 2-4 KJV)

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The "Our Father" is a prayer that most Christians know and pray, but are we living it? The first Christians were one big family."The community of believers was of one heart and mind..." just like they learned in the Our Father prayer, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth." They were surrendering their wills to live in the Father's will to have heaven in earth.

EWTN reports that "Catholicism is experiencing a surge in converts from around the world, with people of all ages drawn to the faith." They are attracted to consistencies in the teachings, the traditions kept for thousands of years, and the proof of authenticity. These conversions are explained as an "outpouring of the Holy Spirit."

Many priests use social media to preach and bring the Gospel to more people even reaching those living in distant places. This is an exciting time!

Let us pray for all Priests to have the courage and humility to send out the Gospel message by whatever means necessary.

HERE is our PAPA Prayer for Priests.