Giving What We Have

Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35

Today would normally be Tax Day, the deadline for people to file or postmark their tax returns. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state governments have extended the deadline to July 15. It’s the compassionate thing to do. It’s also the practical thing to do. Tens of millions of people are laid off, furloughed or working reduced hours. They can’t give what they don’t have. 

Today’s scripture readings, however, flip that script. In our first reading, Peter and John don’t have any alms to give to the disabled man at “the Beautiful Gate.” But they give what they have: the healing power that comes in the name of Jesus. The man got money every day, but what he received from the apostles gave him a new lease on life. He could only walk, jump and praise God in return.  

At first, the stranger who joined the disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t seem like he had much to give. In fact, he seemed clueless about what had happened to “Jesus the Nazarene.” But he had more than they could have hope for. He opened the scriptures to them so much that their hearts were burning within them in faith, hope and love. He joined them for a meal and did something they had no doubt experienced hundreds of times before: “he took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to them.” With that, they finally realized that Jesus had been walking with them. In the joy of the resurrection, they hurried back to Jerusalem and testified to the Eleven: “The Lord has truly been raised….!”

This time of COVID-19 has underscored our humanity, mortality and the limits of our capacities to control things, even with science and technology. There are things that we can do to “bend the curve,” but as Dr. Anthony Fauci has repeatedly reminded us, the coronavirus is calling the shots. We can only respond.

We can only respond as we are, where we are, and with what we have. We may not be able to gather for the Eucharist or other sacraments, but we can still pray for and with each other and grow spiritually. We can’t watch or play many sports, but we can go outside and get some fresh air and exercise. We can’t all get N-95 masks, but we can all find something to cover our faces to protect others as well as ourselves. We may not be free to go to our favorite restaurants, but (if we can afford it) we can support the ones that are open and their workers through carry-out and delivery. We can’t replace our children’s teachers but we can help them with their homework. We all have bread that we can bless, break and share with others.  

Like Peter and Paul, we can all give what we have…in the name of Jesus. –jc