community

I spent this afternoon driving a shuttle from our upper parking lot to our Peace & Spirituality Center for Sister Julie's art show. Julie is an amazingly gifted artist. Over the years she's ministered as a teacher and with the Native American community, but she is also an artist. Last year the community gave her the resources to take a sabbatical and focus on her artwork. This weekend, her art was for display and sale - with all the proceeds to benefit the CSJP community. Sisters & Associates volunteered their time - to drive the shuttle, greet guests, process the sales, offer coffee, bake cookies, etc... Not to mention all the time and energy that went into getting the paintings matted and framed, publicity, making cards from her artwork, setting up the displays, etc...

I can't help but be reminded of this whole community effort when I read Sunday's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles:

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore 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 were distributed to each according to need.

This, my friends, is community. And lucky me, I get to be a part of it!