After the Resurrection

When Jesus was on earth, his followers walked and talked with him, tried to learn from him and do what he taught them. But then Jesus died and rose again. His followers faced a daunting question that we can all relate to: “What do we do now?”

“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.” — Acts 4:32-33

And that is what we do now.

First of all, we are to be “those who believed.” It is not easy to believe that a man who clearly died is once more among the living. Faith, strong faith in the resurrection of Jesus, is a gift to be prayed for.

Secondly, we are to be “of one heart and one soul.” The heart speaks of love, and it is surely love — first God’s love for us then our loving response — that makes us of one heart. That response is shown in our loving care for one another: “everything was held in common.”

Having been told earlier to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” the apostles spread the good news of the resurrection. This, too, is our call. Some are called literally to preach the word but all of us can follow the instructions given by St. Francis, to preach the love of God at all times, and sometimes even use words.