holy madness

Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93 The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty; John 3:7-15

"With great power the Apostle store witness to the resurrection of the Lord JEsus, and great favor was accorded them all. 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 would distribute each according to need."



What a marvelous picture of the early church, this community of believers.

This community of believers who were determined to live generously.

Magnanimous!

Most of us today are a bit stingy. We reluctantly stretch forth our hands. We reluctantly give to others, yet we always make sure we have what we need, what we want.

We think about others usually when they come knocking or we see the them holding a sign next to the traffic light.

Then we might give them a few bits of pocket change or even in buy them a burger.

But to live totally committed to generosity and sharing as witness in the first reading for today, that would truly be a witness.

Think about Barnabas, who leads by example. "Barnabas, translated son of encouragement, sold a piece of property that eh owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles."

Barnabas was all in. IT is a lot easier to preach when you have first lived it truly in your life.

St. Jose Maria Escriva states the following, "Self-giving is the first step along the road of sacrifice, joy, love, union with God. And thus, a whole life is filled with a holy madness which makes us encounter happiness where human logic would only see denial, suffering, and pain."

And again, "there is only one step between the lack of generosity and lukewarmness."

"The more generous you are for God, the happier you will be."

Don't wait for the example; be the example you wait for.

Discover the peace and joy of holy madness.