Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

 Lectionary: 268

"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."

In today's gospel, the conversation with Nicodemus, the Lord draws a sharp distinction between those who live by the Spirit and those who don't. The latter are the "Jews," as they appear in the Fourth Gospel, with Nicodemus among them. They comprehend neither where the Spirit goes nor whence it comes. 

The irony is reflected in today's first reading as we learn how the early converts shared everything they owned. There was neither rich nor poor among them. 

The story intentionally recalls Exodus 16: 17-18: 

The Israelites gathered a large and some a small amount (of manna). But when they measured it out by the omer, the one who had gathered a large amount did not have too much, and the one who had gathered a small amount did not have too little. They gathered as much as each needed to eat.

This principle of share and share alike, or mi casa es su casa, is understood and practiced by those who are guided by the Holy Spirit. They trust the Lord who provides; they believe there will always be enough. Elijah with his hosts, a poor woman and her son, had enough wheat flour and olive oil to survive a long drought because the woman welcomed Elijah and trusted his word. 

"The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Elijah."

Corrie ten Boom, who survived a Nazi death camp, recalled how the prisoners shared a small bottle of yeast that someone had sent from the camp kitchen. It provided some essential vitamins to the starving workers. They had only one bottle and a teaspoon, and yet the bottle seemed replenished each morning. It dried up only when they began to get better food.  

Many Christians tithe, giving ten percent of their income to the Church, with the confidence that God will provide should there be a shortage. Many swear they cannot afford not to tithe. 

The eye of God, a symbol of God's providence,
in the chapel at Mount Saint Francis. Notice the snake
consuming itself, a symbol of eternity.

Nicodemus, "a teacher in Israel," did not understand the workings of the Holy Spirit. He was a member of the Sanhedrin which, fearing what might happen if the problem of Jesus were not addressed, conspired with the Romans to have him crucified. They did not believe God would protect them if they did the right thing. 

Fortunately, Nicodemus remained sympathetic to Jesus. He argued with the Sanhedrin against their cruel intentions, and contributed an astonishing mixture of myrrh and aloes when the Lord was buried. 

The Word of the Lord endures forever and the Holy Spirit still urges us to trust in God's providence. There will be enough if we share and share alike. And hoarders will perish in misery.