A Moment of Resurrection
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. —Acts 4:32–35
Each Wednesday the “Love Lunch” team at Welcome Home Emerging Congregation delivered about 80 sack lunches to the hungry and homeless on the streets of the neighborhoods surrounding Covina, California. Each Sunday they served a hot meal after the worship service. I estimate we served around 50,000 meals since we began. Every week is filled with moments of spiritual awareness. One of the stops each Wednesday is to a narrow opening leading to a culvert that passes under the highway. Four people live in that dark, damp environment below the ground. They live far enough back from the opening that Letha from the Love Lunch team shouts out, “Kenny! Geri! Love Lunches!”
The noise of the cars passing overhead makes it difficult to hear. Eventually there is a reply. They slowly make their way past the items they’ve hoarded underground and into the light. They live in conditions that to me seem hopeless. Letha asks how they are doing and offers them encouragement. To many, the efforts of bringing food to subterranean dwellers over a period of years may seem futile. But I cannot help but feel that each time they come out to receive the food offered, all—both giver and receiver—experience a moment of resurrection. Perhaps the experienced and hoped-for new life that we seek comes not all at once but in a million tiny moments of resurrection when we emerge into the light and gifts of hopefulness are exchanged.
Yes, the promise of resurrection is made real each time we respond to the call to become the hands and feet of Jesus and serve “the least of these…” This is The Worth of All Persons.
Spiritual Practices for Today
Download or open the Community of Christ app on your smartphone or visit www.cofchrist.org to read today’s Daily Bread and Prayer for Peace. Consider these questions:
What is the “God reality” that should claim my attention today? What is the “God initiative” to which I am called? What are the “God provisions” that I can be thankful for right now?
Pray: God of Resurrection, we have seen the empty tomb. We have heard your voice in the Garden. We have heard you send us forth even when we were afraid. Fill us with your love and let us become a blessing of resurrection to others we pray in the name of our risen Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read Acts 2:43-47 “Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
What word or phrase caught your attention in this passage?
Read the passage again. How is this passage speaking to you today?
Pray the Mission Prayer: God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me the courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.
2021 Guiding Question: Are we moving towards Jesus, the peaceful One?