Daily Readings - Fri May 23 2025

²²Then it pleased the Apostles and elders, with the whole Church, to choose men from among them, and to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, and Judas, who was surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, preeminent men among the brothers²³what was written by their own hands: "The Apostles and elders, brothers, to those who are at Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, brothers from the Gentiles, greetings²⁴Since we have heard that some, going out from among us, have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no commandment²⁵it pleased us, being assembled as one, to choose men and to send them to you, with our most beloved Barnabas and Paul²⁶men who have handed over their lives on behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ²⁷Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves also will, with the spoken word, reaffirm to you the same things²⁸For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no further burden upon you, other than these necessary things²⁹that you abstain from things immolated to idols, and from blood, and from what has been suffocated, and from fornication. You will do well to keep yourselves from these things. Farewell.³⁰And so, having been dismissed, they went down to Antioch. And gathering the multitude together, they delivered the epistle³¹And when they had read it, they were gladdened by this consolation

John

Chapter 15

¹²This is my precept: that you love one another, just as I have loved you¹³No one has a greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends¹⁴You are my friends, if you do what I instruct you¹⁵I will no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Lord is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything whatsoever that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you¹⁶You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. And I have appointed you, so that you may go forth and bear fruit, and so that your fruit may last. Then whatever you have asked of the Father in my name, he shall give to you¹⁷This I command you: that you love one another

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter powerful themes of unity, love, and the essence of Christian living. The first reading from Acts 15:22-31 recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church addressed the inclusion of Gentile converts. The Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, resolved the conflict by establishing essential guidelines, emphasizing love and unity over division. This moment was pivotal, showing the Church's ability to navigate differences and grow harmoniously. The Gospel from John 15:12-17 shifts focus to Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, where He commands us to love one another as He loved us. Jesus redefines the disciples as friends, not servants, sharing His Father’s truths with them. This intimate teaching underscores the depth of God’s love and our role as bearers of this love. Jesus’ commandment is clear: love is the hallmark of His followers. Both readings highlight the importance of unity and love. The early Church’s decision in Acts was rooted in Jesus’ teachings, demonstrating how love and unity can overcome discord. In our lives, we face similar challenges, whether in personal relationships or community conflicts. The readings remind us to approach these situations with selfless love, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides. Jesus’ example calls us to prioritize love, even when it requires sacrifice. Let us strive to embody this love, fostering harmony and reflecting God’s grace in all we do.