Tuesday 29 April 2025

Today is Tuesday the 29th of April, the feast of St Catherine of Siena, in the 2nd week of Eastertide. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Bind Us Together’. Today we reflect on the fellowship of the early believers of Jesus. As you listen to this music, become aware of God’s love for your own community of believers… Bind us together within your love Bind us together within your holy love As we shared in our sorrows, we will share in your joy Bind us together in love Bind us together and be our peace Bind us together and be our perfect peace Though the tempest may rage, we will rest in your joy Bind us together in peace Bind us together and give us hope Bind us together and give us endless hope Though our tears were our bread, we will feast in your joy Bind us together in hope Bind us together and make us one Bind us together and make us truly one In your love, in your peace, in your hope, in your joy Bind us together as one In your love, in your peace, in your hope, in your joy Bind us together as one Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 4:32-37 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. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. In today’s reading, we continue to journey with the early believers as we hear about their life together. ‘Everything they owned was held in common.’ As we hear of the trust and love of these early believers, try to recall a time when you have shared your possessions and received help from other believers. ‘There was not a needy person among them.’ What would it be like to experience a fellowship like this? As you listen again, notice if anything arises as a challenge for you regarding this way of living. Acts 4:32-37 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. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. If this was your Church community, which things would you find easy to share, and which things would be more difficult to surrender? How might the Lord call you to be a Barnabas as you encourage others in their ministries? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen