Date: April 21, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 4:32-37; Gospel: JN 3:7B-15 |

Series:

“If we have a love such as this, we can also come before the Lord with our entirety and offer at His feet the wealth that serves His church.”

“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 (Acts 4: 32-33).” This is such an ideal community, a hardly imaginable thing to happen today since we are more comfortable with private property.

But somewhat like these things still happen in the church today. The whole community owns the church, belongs to the church, and helps those members who are in need. The DLA (Diocesan Lenten Appeal) and the Catholic Charities are among the beautiful practices of our church today that bear the character of this very early Christian Church that was shepherded by the Holy Apostles.

When the church building of my home parish in the Philippines was damaged by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake, the church family of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Immaculate Conception, like older sisters, could not help but look after their younger sister church in the Philippines. It’s truly catholic! The church family goes beyond borders in terms of solicitude and concern for the needy. How beautiful was the gesture!

Today is the feast day of St. Anselm. He was gifted with brilliance; became an Abbot of a Benedictine Monastery; courageous in his advocacy for the human rights; and known as the Father of Scholasticism. St. Anselm had so many good things contributed to the church - his person is truly a wealth put at the feet of the church. Let us listen to His deep spirituality as He said this before the Lord: “What are You, Lord? Under what image can my heart recognize You? Truly, You are life; You are truth; You are Goodness; You are Holiness; You are eternity; You are everything good! O man, why do you roam about so far in search of good things for soul and body? Love the one Good, in whom all goods are contained, and that will satisfy you!" (St. Anselm).” If we have a love such as this, we can also come before the Lord with our entirety and offer at His feet the wealth that serves His church.