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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so that they shared every thing they had." (Acts 4:32)
The best way to eliminate poverty of all types –spiritual and physical - is
to share what we have - physical and spiritual. What we have comes from God, and
we are only sharing what is already His. Jesus said that love for each other was
to be the mark of discipleship.
It’s an indictment of Christianity that most believers can quote John 3:16, but
they can’t quote 1 John 3:16: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ
laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."
We are actually committed to each other as we are to Jesus. We call it KOINONIA
(FELLOWSHIP). We are committed to love each other, serve each other, bear each
others' burdens, forgive each other, sing to each other, submit to each other
and to be devoted to each other. David proclaims, "Behold, how great and
pleasant it is where brothers dwell in unity." (Psalm 133:1) What is the
impediment, not to do so? Is it the loss of, vision- of- eternity and
resurrection? Or are we mesmerized by the enticement of this mortal world?
33 miners have been trapped since Aug. 5, 2010, 2300 ft below in Chile’s Atacama
desert. How human beings love to co operate in the face of danger? The Chilean
miners pull together. The youngest of the miners is only 19. The oldest, Mario
Gomez, is 62. He has assumed the role of co coordinator, organizing the group in
to three- man buddy teams so that they can look after one another and serving as
liaison to the surface. He also set up a makeshift chapel to offer spiritual
support. He has also established a rule that no one may eat until all have
received their food. Now the escape cage is ready to lift them up. Each of them
wanted, he should be the last to step into the escape shaft. No body wanted to
separate. They created an incredible bond together in the mines within two
months.
What a wonderful KOINONIA (FELLOWSHIP) to be followed! Fellowship is the veins
through which the blood of life flows.
Jesus, thank you for the fellowship you have given to us to share your love
and happiness. Teach us to share our material and non material wealth to the
needy and the poor. May we all taste the freshness of sharing and cooperation.
Let fellowship descend on our families and churches. We ask this in the name of
Jesus.
Amen.
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