the lord of real estate
"The community of believers were of one heart." —Acts 4:32
Because the early Church was united, it bore witness to Jesus' resurrection with power (Acts 4:33). The Holy Spirit created this power based on unity by:
- inspiring Christians to look at and manage their property in such a way that there was no one "needy among them" (Acts 4:34),
- calling "all who owned property or houses" to sell them and donate the proceeds to the early Church (Acts 4:34), and
- encouraging the members through Barnabas (Acts 4:36).
Witnessing for the risen Christ is a matter of power, which depends on unity. Unity in turn can depend on making private property available for common use. This creates social structures in which there are few needy people. A Church in such a society, with a little encouragement, can change the world by proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus.
How have you let the risen Christ change your life, economics, social structures, and society? In this year of the Great Jubilee, are you willing to let Jesus be Lord of property, debts, priorities, jobs, and lifestyles? Witness for the risen Christ with unity and power.
Prayer: Father, may I live the way in which I will be the most powerful witness for the risen Christ.
Promise: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in Him." —Jn 3:14-15
Praise: St. Athanasius wrote: "If the world is founded on reason, wisdom and science, and is filled with orderly beauty, then it must owe its origin and order to none other than the Word of God."
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999