ONE HEART AND MIND
We can do much to show concrete concern for the
neglected, the poor, elderly, those in great need of clothing, shelter and
food, and the list goes on.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy once wrote: "I have come to the conclusion
that the most important element in human life is faith." It is from faith,
and through it, that we come to a new understanding of ourselves and the entire
world around us. It puts everything into a spiritual focus, so that love and
joy and happiness, along with worry, sorrow, and loss, become a part of a large
picture which extends far beyond time and space.
Today's Gospel of John concludes by telling us that all who have put
their trust in the One Who was lifted up on the Cross and raised from the dead,
will have eternal life. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles,
likewise, suggests to us how in practice this eternal life we have will show
itself here and now. The Book of Acts describes the daily life of the early
Christians - in the glow of the Resurrection! There is a profound unity, a
sharing of all they have and a concern that no one in their midst should live
in deprivation. We know that in our human nature, such a perfect society is
almost too good to be true. All we need is to turn on the television and hear
the critics among us, telling us how divided we are in this world.
Our challenge is to take a look within our own churches and have that
beautiful, ideal vision, which is pictured in the Acts of the Apostles! We can
do much to show concrete concern for the neglected, the poor, elderly, those in
great need of clothing, shelter and food, and the list goes on. May we do it
with generous hearts!
We are born of the Spirit, called to be of one heart and mind!