Acts 2:42-47
They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers. Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe. All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
The Early church – creating a safe space for all people, sharing their goods so all had enough, meeting together as friends over a meal, learning together to understand more and sharing in prayer with a God who loved equally and unconditionally. Their simplicity of life, and sharing of goods, became a hallmark of Living, Listening and Learning in the Way of Christ as a gathered family of God’s diverse people. This has been the lived example of healthy and active faith communities throughout the centuries – communities who focused on living faith, on being peace makers, on justice and equity for all, no matter what the cultural or societal expectations may be. This has been the hallmark of God’s call to ‘love our neighbour’ and to live as Christ taught us to live. It is witnessed today in our Churches’ missional groups and agencies, who continue to seek out the marginalised, listen to and speak out for the voiceless, and to stand for justice, inclusion and equity.
In our ecumenical journey together, may we continue to live in this way of justice for all, continue to share the joys and the difficult times that is our human experience, and seek to walk humbly with each other as we partner with Jesus. It is together, that we glimpse the whole body of Christ, not as individuals. Each of our traditions and expressions of church help enrich our understanding and faith, so that we experience God in all our differences and similarities. What a joy it is that we can celebrate God’s rich love, the warmth of the Spirit and the friendship we find in Jesus. This is where we find the joy. This is where the strength of hope overrides the grief of despair. This is where, in the space between us, peace beyond our own human understanding, surprises us and energizes us to be Followers of Jesus’ Way.
On Sunday May 28th churches celebrates Pentecost. In the Southern hemisphere, we also celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Come join together at 6pm Sunday 28th May at St Peter’s Cathedral, North Adelaide, where, as Christian folk, we can “enjoy the good will of all the people” and celebrate that “ every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)
Sung Prayer – “Spirit of Peace”
When people despair, we would bring hope.
In the shadow of fear, we would show faith.
When hatred, divides we would renew.
To people alone, we would bring love.
Spirit of love: Spirit send love.
Spirit of love: Spirit send love.
When people are bound, we would be free.
In the darkness of doubt, we would affirm.
Where others escape, we would endure.
When people make war, we would bring peace.
Spirit of peace: Spirit send peace.
Spirit of peace: Spirit send peace.
L. N. Quintrell, Music: D. A Simper (Rodan Publications “Songs For the People of God 3”)
© Rev Anne Hewitt 2/05/2023
This reflection & prayers may be shared as long as the original writer is credited.