Daily Readings - Wed May 18 2022

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

John

Chapter 15

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 encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 15 highlights a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church where leaders gathered to resolve a contentious issue: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved. This meeting, known as the Council of Jerusalem, was crucial as it shaped the inclusive nature of Christianity, emphasizing faith over ritual. The second reading, from John 15, presents Jesus as the true vine, illustrating the essential relationship between Him and His followers. Jesus emphasizes that just as branches rely on the vine for nourishment, we must abide in Him to bear spiritual fruit. These readings are intricately connected through themes of unity and spiritual nourishment. Acts 15 shows the early church navigating differences to maintain unity, ultimately deciding that circumcision was not required for salvation. This decision underscored the importance of grace and inclusion. Similarly, John 15 teaches that our spiritual life flows from our connection to Christ, the vine. Together, these passages remind us that our faith community thrives when we stay connected to Christ and embrace diversity in love. Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are reminded of the importance of community and connection. Just as the early church found unity through their faith, we can navigate our own disagreements by staying rooted in Christ. Practically, this means actively participating in our faith communities, engaging in prayer, and serving others. The moral lesson is clear: our spiritual vitality depends on abiding in Christ. Without Him, we cannot produce the fruits of love, joy, and peace. Let us strive to remain in His love and teachings, just as branches rely on the vine, so we may bear much fruit and glorify God.