Devotion - Tuesday, April 7

There is an often repeated chorus to "return to the early Church." The desire expressed in such comments it to live in a religious milieu free of structures and controversy. I can identify with that, though I am enough of a student of Church history to realize that the early Church did not have a clear confession as to the divinity of Christ or the significance of baptism.

One of the marks of the early Church I do envy is noted in Acts 2. This Church grew fast, attracting many members. As soon as they became part of the group, they "had all things in common." Within that early Church, there were no members living in large (mostly empty houses) while other members were sleeping in homeless shelters. Within that early Church, there were no members feasting on sumptuous things while others were standing in line at the food pantry.

Why is the chorus to "return to the early Church" devoid of verses which speak to this part of early Church life?

I love the Now the Feast Liturgy for many reasons but chief among them is the post communion prayer which ask that God will give us the "courage to share our bread." It takes courage to live as Jesus lived. It takes courage to live as the early Church lived. It takes courage to trust that we will have enough and thus share.

Oh, if only we could return to the early Church.