They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
It's one of my favourite passages outside of the four Gospels. It describes the early church and the way they lived, a way of life which inspired those around them. They lived as a community where everything was held in common, and each members' needs were met. It was a community of fraternity that was characterized above all by love and care and concern for one another. This passage always inspires me to try and see the best in people, to be a better person, and to strive to recreate the same kind of community here and now, a community based on love of one's neighbours in the spirit of liberty, equality, fraternity.
