By Earle Roberts
Barnabas had just sold a field, “then brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Ananias and Sapphira resolved to do the same, except they would not bring all, only a portion of the proceeds, presented as being the whole.
When he brought “only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet,” Ananias was confronted by Peter. “The property was yours, and you were free to use it, or sell it and use the proceeds. But now you bring a part of the proceeds openly saying to the community that, like others, you bring the full amount. You have not simply deceived the community; you have lied to God!”
Hearing these words, Ananias breathed his last breath.
Sapphira came in later. She also claimed the part was the whole. Peter said to her, “You two together have put the Spirit of the Lord to the test.”
Sapphira breathed her last and was buried beside her husband.
“Then great fear seized the whole church.”
The church continued strong and growing. The apostles continued activity in Solomon’s portico on the Temple mount. And many, even from neighboring communities, came to be healed and freed from evil spirits. There were some, however, who dared not join them.
- Our pledges are not publicized. Whether we fulfill our pledges is largely “between us and God.” Are commitments made to the church really commitments made to God? What does it mean if we don’t make good on commitments like these?
- Do you think it is a “deceit to the community” if we don’t fulfill our pledges? What about our non-monetary commitments?
- What other details do you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: Keep us ever mindful, O God, of the sanctity of our words and commitments. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit. Amen.
