Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
(Acts 2:32-37; John 3:7b-15)
The evangelist John often uses simple language to convey
profound ideas. This method has the advantage
of universal understanding of words but suffers the distinct possibility of
misunderstanding. Today’s gospel provides an example.
Jesus is telling Nicodemus about “earthly things.” He likely means the way people always seek
their own advantage with the result that they cross the line of injustice. “Heavenly things,” by contrast, are how God
bestows life to the full, that is, eternal life. He gives it freely when people recognizing
their injustice seek forgiveness. An
example of “heavenly things” is found in the reading from Acts. Barnabas disposes of his property to benefit
those in need.
We shouldn’t think that we are somehow lax Christians if we
don’t sell our properties to help others.
Nevertheless, as followers of Christ, we must be generous with what we
have. He sacrificed both heavenly
existence and earthly peace to redeem us sinners. We should make sacrifices on behalf of others
in imitation of him.
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