Homily: Tuesday April 29, 2025, Tuesday of the second week of Easter (Sell Property).

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"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."

This sharing of personal property for the good of community and selling of possessions to fuel the mission of the church, willingly and joyfully, are so unimaginable in this day and age. But the early Christian community did it. And because of such practice, there was no needy person among them.

What could have made them go to that extent of sacrifice and self-denial for the good of others?

This reminds me of the rich young man who went to Jesus, wanting to gain eternal life. To which our Lord told him to sell all his property and possessions, give it to the poor and follow Him.

The early Christians must have been very motivated to gain eternal life, to enter heaven, to go where Jesus has gone.

The Church is a spiritual institution, it is also a social missionary. We are called to proclaim the Good News of God's love and salvation to every soul, we are also called to feed the poor and hungry, clothe and protect every person’s dignity. 

And we should start within our own community, to look out for someone in need, and if selling our property can help provide for the needs of another, we should model the early Christians to do it, willingly and joyfully.

Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, who reminds us: "God wanted, through His Son, to reveal to us His truth and His gentle will, that He seeks and desires only that we be made holy."

God desires our holiness. We should desire it too.

Material needs are real, and charity is essential, and often it is by feeding the stomach that gives us the opportunity to feed the soul. Jesus did provide fish and loaves to the thousands, while teaching them about the Eucharist. 

At the end of our lives, what we owned or achieved will not matter as much as to whom we have made Jesus known. So giving up our possessions to bring someone closer to Jesus, that would be a worthy achievement to aim for.

Let our property and possessions be our instruments for evangelization, for furthering the kingdom of God. May we use them wisely, share their value generously and dispose of them effectively. All for the good of others and for greater glory of God. Amen.


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