All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32
“All ownership feeds on stifling self-interest. When deadly selfishness is killed by love, and only then, ownership and all that separates comes to an end. This is how is was in the early church. This is how it still can be: Under the influence of the Spirit, community is born, where people do not think in terms of “mine” and “thine.”
This kind of love overlooks no need or suffering. In such a life-sharing community no one suffers a lack of clothing, food, or any other necessity of life. Those who want to keep goods and valuables for themselves in spite of the need around them must do violence to their own hearts.
God ‘s heart is never limited in its sphere of action. Those who held their goods in common at Jerusalem thus gave generous hospitality to thousands of pilgrims. Through the outpouring of the Spirit, they were able to care wisely for many, for very many, with the slenderest of means.”
Eberhard Arnold in “Spirit of Fire” in Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent (Walden: Plough, 2003) 400.
It’s been a joy to share life in community with friends and neighbors, especially as we have no family close by. For example, tonight to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we are going to the fish fry with our neighbors, Ken and Carol Sharp. Ken helps host the meal, and we are excited to join them. They have become dear friends in the journey of life.
What hinders such life-sharing community? Arnold nails it: “stifling self-interest” and “ownership” thinking! One time I was over at their home and could not read something, Carol gave me a pair of reading glasses and urged me to take them home and use them. We’ve shared things like books with them too. Carol loves to read “Jesus Calling” daily.
During Lent we learn that sharing with others does not leave us empty but enriched. When we abandon “stifling self-interest” and “ownership” thinking, our eyes are opened to see the needs around us. We learn that we are not here to just worry about ourselves but to help meet those needs through giving. We love and are loved in ways that can only be experienced in community.
Have a great St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Enjoy his famous Breastplate Prayer as you celebrate with friends and family today!