Today we glimpse community life in the early Church. "...no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common" (Acts 4:32). Human beings tend to hold on to things; people want a sense of security. So how were the early Christians able to be so generous?

The community was of one heart and soul. They genuinely cared for each other. They wanted friends to have good things, to live a good life.

More profoundly, they knew deep in their hearts that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive. They trusted deeply in Jesus. Since the Lord was with them, they dared to share. They believed Jesus would care for their needs.

Yet, trusting Jesus involves risk. Today, the Pharisee Nicodemus meets with Jesus only at night, so no one will see. As Nicodemus risks talking with Jesus and dares to ask the questions that are on his mind, he encounters Jesus in a deeper way. Eventually, Nicodemus changes. At Jesus' death, Nicodemus bravely appears publicly to anoint Jesus (Jn. 19:39).

In what way is Jesus inviting me to trust that he will provide for my needs? In what way is Jesus inviting me to share what I have?