One of the barbs easily thrown about in the political arena these days is to label another as a “socialist.” I don’t think it is meant as a compliment. When I hear it in context, my speculation is that there is an attempt to label the person as anti-capitalism and leaning strongly towards a communist/Marxist perspective. In the same arena where most days it seems too often faith/religion are used when politically convenient, the person just labeled as a socialist might respond: “Thank you! That puts me in good company with Apostles and disciples of Christ who were socialists and held all things in common.” Today’s first reading is from the passage just referenced (Acts 4:32-37). Continue reading →