Today in Scripture

I passed this sign on Sunday morning (and am grateful to a good friend for going out and snapping a photo for me), and it amused and confused me. Would my response if I knew the date and time of Jesus' arrival be to organize a yard sale? Or maybe Jesus himself is providing the heavenly treasures for the event? Wouldn't THAT be a chance to get some great bargains?!

The first reading today is from the Acts of the Apostles. This is Luke's recounting of life in the early Church, beginning with Jesus' ascension into heaven, followed soon after by the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. An excerpt (Acts 4:32-35) describes what life was like in Jerusalem in those early days:

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.

"Communists! Socialists! Hippie-commune-crazies!," we respectable capitalists might say today. But really, they were only following the example of Jesus himself, whose powerful trust in God's and people's generosity made miracles happen. And these early Christians truly believed that Jesus was returning soon, so holding onto personal wealth and possessions took a backseat to the primary goal of being found faithful to his message and ministry.

So perhaps the unintentionally amusing wording of the church sign isn't so far off after all... 
Do your possessions keep you from welcoming Christ right now? I mean, really: do you have 5 pairs of sneakers, or half a dozen purses, or an overflowing closet... while the Christ down the road has no shoes on her feet, no money to put in a purse, no home- let alone a closet? Have we gorged ourselves on Easter candy while the Christ three blocks away is scrounging in dumpsters for his next meal? Perhaps it's time for our own Yard and Bake sale!

There isn't necessarily sin in 'having', unless by our having too much we keep others from having anything at all. Money and home and possessions are good, but not ends in themselves to a faithful Christian. By our baptism in Christ we become brothers and sisters to one another in faith, and as family we are called to look out for each other, to take care of and pray for and support one another as we are able.

"Jesus is Coming"

What's the next line on YOUR sign?