Daily Readings - Wed May 21 2025

Acts

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

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 spiritual journey. The first reading from Acts 15:1-6 presents a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, where a dispute arises over the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts. This conflict reflects the broader challenge of inclusion and unity as the church navigates its identity. The decision to seek guidance in Jerusalem underscores the importance of communal discernment and the pursuit of unity amidst diversity. The Gospel reading from John 15:1-8 shifts our focus to the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to emphasize the essential connection we must maintain with Him. Just as branches draw sustenance from the vine, our spiritual vitality depends on abiding in Christ. This connection is not merely for survival but for abundant fruitfulness, as Jesus promises that our prayers will be answered and we will glorify the Father through our fruitful lives. These readings together highlight the interplay between communal unity and personal spiritual life. The early church's ability to resolve conflicts and maintain unity was rooted in their connection to Christ, the vine. As we navigate our own challenges and disagreements, we are reminded to stay connected to Jesus through prayer and community. This connection empowers us to bear fruit in our actions and attitudes, fostering a spirit of love and unity. The moral lesson here is clear: our spiritual life must be both personally nourished and communally expressed, reflecting Jesus' command to love one another and bear fruit.