“They broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people.” These were the people who had come to know of the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the Cross. These were the ones who heard the preaching of Peter in the square, and came to believe the message was true. This was the Church forming; and the community of Christ beginning; and they were learning how to live changed by the love of Jesus Christ.

While they believed sincerely, it was not easy to live in a community that separated itself from the beliefs of the rest of the population. Their entire way of thinking was contrary to the strict teaching and practice of the Law put forward by the priest of the Temple; and they suffered because of it. 

Peter saw the suffering and held up their steadfast faith, telling them. “If you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so you may follow in his steps.”

The infancy of the Church, the gathering of followers of Jesus Christ, at the very beginning is described in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. Also, In the First Letter of Peter. The messages, teachings and admonitions were instructions given by the Apostles as they had learned them from Jesus in following him for three years, from his Baptism in the Jordan to his crucifixion, and his resurrection and ascension. 

They had seen and been a part of the miracles performed. They had listened to his teachings. They had learned the lesson of Gods Love and acceptance; of the offering of forgiveness of sins, and the newness of life with Christ. All of this they offered to those who would listen. And the Church came to life and grew.  

But it did not grow alone. It did not grow without the guidance of the Good Shepherd of this new flock. Those who were called to follow him knew of his presence in their lives because he was with them always. He remains with us, also, as he said he would. He is with us when we break bread at table in our homes, and when we eat with others who worship him.

He is with us when we feed and comfort the stranger, for the sake of his love. He is with us when we supply to the needs of others; he is always with us to supply our needs, also. Amen

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.