One Heart and Mind

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 4:32-37; PS 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15
Notes: When we are of one heart and mind, we are the perfect reflection of the divine will.

1. Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas – in today’s portion Joseph gave generously and put it at the feet of the apostles.
2. A man named Ananias, however, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property yet he retained for himself, with his wife’s knowledge, some of the purchase price, took the remainder, and put it at the feet of the apostles.

It went well for Joseph and not so much for Ananias.

From notes in NABRE translation: The sin of Ananias and Sapphira did not consist in the withholding of part of the money but in their deception of the community. Their deaths are ascribed to a lie to the holy Spirit (Acts 5:3, 9), i.e., they accepted the honor accorded them by the community for their generosity, but in reality they were not deserving of it.

First reading
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.

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.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

Alleluia Verse
The Son of Man must be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes in him
may have eternal life.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’

O to be of one heart and mind! It is to be born from above and to set one’s sight on the will of the Father, heavenly promise, peace on Earth and good will toward all.

Let’s not hold back from God to share everything in common.
Let’s not be vain in our worship of God like Ananias and his wife Sapphira.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry