The first apostles had everything in common and in this way they lived as witnesses to Christ, caring for those around them. There are many ways to live as a witness to Christ, and today’s first reading invites us to consider how well we are doing. We are in the second week of Easter, and “alleluia is our song,” but how does that manifest itself to those around us? Are you a prayerful person? Are you in tune to the needs of those around you?
You may not have the resources to distribute to those around you as the apostles did, but are you even aware of the needs? Is money the only way to help? What about your time and attention? Where are these spent? Whatever the answer, does that leave you looking out the window to a world in need, or reflecting only on your own needs?
—Patrick Hyland, S.J., a Jesuit scholastic of the Chicago-Detroit province, is studying philosophy at St. Louis University. He lives at the Bellarmine House of Studies.