We almost wonder if Luke exaggerated a bit. When have you ever seen a community so perfect and harmonious? They had their problems like any group of human beings - Paul keeps us well informed. But one thing is for sure: they knew how to share. They knew how to ensure that no one was in need. And they knew how to support and love one another and to agree on the important things that they all held dear. It was this unity, mutual support, and sharing that was the source of their great power. God was able to dwell in their midst and work miracles because they made room for Him and invited God into their hearts. There is power and strength that comes from unity and sharing. Perhaps this is the greatest gift we can offer others and the world: showing in our own lives what truly human living is. Grasping at things and saying 'mine' instead of 'ours' is the source of much of our world's problems.

We cannot reason, buy, or manipulate our way to God. As ordinary human beings we can only go so far - we always fall short. To go any further, we need a second birth - enlightenment and rebirth through the spirit.