Word of Life January 2011

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common." ( Acts 4,32)

In these words the author of the Acts of the Apostles paints one of the pictures we have of the first Christian community in Jerusalem.

It’s shown as characterized by tremendous freshness and spiritual dynamism, by prayer and witness. Above all, it has a great unity, which Jesus wanted to be the unmistakable hallmark and the source of fruitfulness for his Church.

The Holy Spirit, given in baptism to all who welcome the word of Jesus, is the spirit of love and unity. It was he, therefore, who made all the believers one with the risen Lord and with each other, enabling them to overcome all differences of race, culture and social class.

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common." ( Acts 4,32)

But let’s take a closer look at the details of this unity.

The Holy Spirit, first of all, brought about the unity of hearts and minds of the believers, helping them to overcome those feelings that made it difficult to live out the dynamic of their communion as brothers and sisters.

In fact, the greatest obstacle to unity is our individualism, the attachment to our own ideas, personal viewpoints and tastes. It is our selfishness that builds the barriers by which we isolate ourselves and exclude those who are different.

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common." ( Acts 4,32)

The unity brought about by the Holy Spirit, then, could not fail to be reflected in the life of the believers.

Their unity of mind and heart took flesh in a real solidarity among them in the sharing of their goods with any brothers and sisters in need.

Precisely because their unity was genuine, it could not tolerate the community having some who lived in abundance while others lacked what they needed.

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common." ( Acts 4,32)

So how can we live the Word of Life of this month?

It emphasises the communion and unity so strongly advocated by Jesus, who gave us the gift of his Spirit to bring it about.

Let’s try, then, to grow in this communion at all levels by listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Above all, on the spiritual level, let’s overcome the seeds of division we bear within us.

It would be a nonsense, for example, to want to be united to Jesus and at the same time be divided among ourselves, behaving individualistically, each going in a separate direction, judging each other and perhaps excluding each other.

So we need a renewed conversion to God who wants us to be united.

Furthermore, this Word of Life will help us to understand more clearly the contradiction that exists between Christian faith and the selfish use of material goods.

It will help us to achieve a genuine solidarity with those in need, even if within the limits of our possibilities.

Since this is also the month in which we celebrate the week of prayer for Christian unity, this Word of Life will urge us to pray and to strengthen our bonds of unity, love and sharing with our brothers and sisters of the various Churches. With them we have in common the one faith and one spirit of Christ, received in baptism.

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common“ (Acts 4,32). “Word of Life”, monthly publication of the Focolare Movement. Original text by: Chiara Lubich, January Graphic design by Anna Lollo in collaboration with Fr. Placido D’Omina (Sicily - Italy) This commentary on the Word of Life is translated in 96 languages, and it reaches millions of people throughout the world through the press, radio, TV and internet – for more information visit This Powerpoint presentation is translated in various languages and is published on