SOLID FOUNDATIONS - A: 2nd Sun of Easter

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47 (April 16, 2023)

“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42).

This is how Luke described the first wave of converts to the Jesus-movement. They were the ones who had been touched by Peter’s fateful sermon (2:14-36), submitting themselves to baptism at that very moment (v. 41). Noticeable among them was not only their radical abandonment of all earthly possessions (v. 45), but their integral following of the Lord. Their commitment to join the community was founded on the three basic aspects of Christian living, viz., doctrine, moral, and worship, or creed, code, and cult, respectively.

Doctrine. They witnessed to their newly found faith by being faithful to the “teaching of the apostles” (v. 42).

Accordingly, they were not only convinced of the good news that they had heard from the apostles on the resurrection of the Lord (4:33), but they were zealous in learning more about this belief (4:24ff.). In fact, they would go to the temple area (2:46), conversing with the Jews to propagate what they had spiritually discovered, and even arguing against the religious authorities to defend the truth on Jesus’s lordship (e.g., Stephen in Acts 6:8–7:60).

Moral. These early followers of Jesus put into practice what they had learned by their righteous behavior that is marked by charity.

This is evinced by their collective show of concern to each other, making sure that each would receive their daily needs and be content with their simple lifestyle (4:34-35). In fact, the isolated neglect on supplying the provisions of some widows (6:1) was easily noticed and responded upon by the selection of seven deacons, who would personally attend to their physical nourishment (vv. 3-6). Thus, nobody among them was wanting since “the community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common” (4:32).

Worship. Presented as a repetitive chorus in the text of the Acts of the Apostles is the description that the first disciples were constantly breaking the bread and praying as a group (v. 42).

They were not only doing it on a weekly basis to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord, but they were observing it often, even daily when it would be possible. There is indeed a Eucharistic allusion in this activity of the breaking of the bread, recalling the last supper of Jesus with his apostles before his crucifixion (Lk 22:14-20). Yet, more importantly, it became an opportunity to constantly seek the guidance/inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31), which descended upon the apostles in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost (2:3-4). Similarly, their sacred meal would feed their weary souls to remain steadfast in following of the Lord.

By and large, the members of the Jesus-movement were persons who embraced their faith wholeheartedly and integrally. They made sure that they understood well the contents of their confession (creed), learning, comprehending, and propagating well all articles of the Christian faith. They also conscientiously applied the commandments of the Lord into their day-to-day living (code), showing their respect, concern, and love of each other. Finally, they displayed, too, a deep sense of piety (cult) by congregating as one flock in their prayers and liturgy.

As we continue to celebrate Easter, let us bear in mind that our belief in the resurrection of the Lord should be completed by putting into practice God’s mandates and raising to the heavens in common prayer our praises, thanksgiving, and longing for divine mercy and protection.

- Rex Fortes, CM