Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 13, 2020
First Reading: Acts 15.1-6
1And certain ones, descending from Judea, were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.2Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas made no small uprising against them, they decided that Paul and Barnabas, and some from the opposing side, should go up to the Apostles and priests in Jerusalem concerning this question3Therefore, being led by the church, they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy among all the brothers4And when they had arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the Apostles and the elders, reporting what great things God had done with them5But some from the sect of the Pharisees, those who were believers, rose up saying, "It is necessary for them to be circumcised and to be instructed to keep the Law of Moses.6And the Apostles and elders came together to take care of this matter
Psalm 122
1A Canticle in steps. I rejoiced in the things that were said to me: "We shall go into the house of the Lord.2Our feet were standing in your courts, O Jerusalem3Jerusalem has been built as a city, whose participation is unto itself4For to that place, the tribes ascended, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to confess to the name of the Lord5For in that place, seats have sat down in judgment, seats above the house of David6Petition for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem, and for abundance for those who love you7Let peace be in your virtue, and abundance in your towers8For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors, I spoke peace about you9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I sought good things for you
Gospel: John 15.1-8
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser2Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he will take away. And each one that does bear fruit, he will cleanse, so that it may bring forth more fruit3You are clean now, because of the word that I have spoken to you4Abide in me, and I in you. Just as the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so also are you unable, unless you abide in me5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without me, you are able to do nothing6If anyone does not abide in me, he will be cast away, like a branch, and he will wither, and they will gather him and cast him into the fire, and he burns7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, then you may ask for whatever you will, and it shall be done for you8In this, my Father is glorified: that you should bring forth very much fruit and become my disciples
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, spiritual growth, and dependence on Christ. The first reading from Acts 15:1-6 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where a dispute arises over whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish traditions like circumcision. This conflict leads to a gathering in Jerusalem, where the Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, decide that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation, embracing Gentiles without imposing unnecessary burdens. This decision reflects the church's growing understanding of its universal mission and the unity found in Christ.
The Gospel reading, John 15:1-8, uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our dependence on Christ. Jesus, the vine, nourishes us, and we, as branches, must abide in Him to bear fruit. This metaphor emphasizes that our spiritual vitality and productivity stem from our connection to Him. Just as branches cannot thrive on their own, we cannot live a fruitful Christian life without abiding in Christ.
These readings connect in their emphasis on unity and dependence on Christ. The early church's decision to include Gentiles without circumcision reflects their recognition that true life comes from Christ, not external practices. Similarly, the vine metaphor reminds us that our spiritual life flows from abiding in Christ. In our daily lives, this means embracing unity, letting go of unnecessary divisions, and nurturing our connection to Christ. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, leading to a fruitful and united spiritual life. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength and unity come from Christ, and by abiding in Him, we bear fruit that glorifies God.