We may not perceive the Holy Spirit Himself, but we will be able to see the effects of the Spirit.

 When we perceive a new strength within us,

 we are aware of the fact that the Holy Spirit is present, leading us, transforming us and guiding us.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

Acts 4:32-37

The whole community of believers was one in heart and mind.

No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but rather they shared all things in common.   With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, for all of them were living in an exceptional time of grace.

 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned land or houses, sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale.   And they laid it at the feet of the apostles who distributed it according to each one’s need.   This is what a certain Joseph did. He was a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barna­bas, meaning: “The encouraging one.”  He sold a field which he owned and handed the money to the apostles.

 

Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

John 3:7b-15

 Don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again from above.' The wind blows where it pleases and you hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.  It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus asked again, "How can this be?" And Jesus answered, "You are a teacher in Israel, and you don't know these things!

Truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we witness to the things we have seen, but you don't accept our testimony. If you don't believe when I speak of earthly things, what then, when I speak to you of heavenly things? No one has ever gone up to heaven except the one who came from heaven, the Son of Man.

 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

 

 Gospel Reflection：

Precarious Oneness

 Being one in heart and mind, with everyone sharing everything with everyone else is every Christian community's dream. Even Carl Marx would be envious! However, even as Luke ends the fourth chapter with this dream description, the reality strikes hard immediately as early as the fifth chapter, wherein Ananias and Sapphira play spoilsport.

And, in the sixth, we are told of the neglect of widows. Not long after, we encounter tensions regarding Peter's visit to Cornelius, objections to the uncircumcised, etc. The truth is, it is hard to maintain "oneness in heart and mind" unless we are totally open to the "exceptional grace" amidst us and, as Jesus tells Nicodemus, we are continuously born from above.

It may still not ensure unity in thought; but it will definitely guarantee respect for differences, unity in diversity, and love above all.