Daily Readings - Wed May 22 2019
Acts
1But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."2And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.3So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.5But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses."6The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
John
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.2Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts 15.1-6 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church. Certain individuals from Judea insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved. This caused great debate, leading to the decision that Paul, Barnabas, and others should travel to Jerusalem to resolve the issue. The reading highlights the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers and the Church’s effort to maintain unity amidst differing traditions. The apostles and elders gathered to address this matter, setting the stage for the Council of Jerusalem, which would ultimately declare that Gentiles did not need to observe the full Law of Moses to be part of the Christian community.
The Gospel reading from John 15.1-8 shifts our focus to Jesus’ teachings about the relationship between the vine and the branches. Jesus declares Himself to be the true vine, and His Father the vinedresser. He emphasizes that branches (His followers) must abide in Him to bear fruit. Those who do not remain in Him are unable to produce fruit and are eventually cut away. This passage underscores the necessity of remaining connected to Christ, for it is only through this union that believers can live fruitful and meaningful lives. Jesus also promises that if His words abide in us, our prayers will be answered, and we will bring glory to the Father by bearing much fruit.
Both readings speak to the theme of unity and dependence on God. In Acts, the early Church works to maintain unity despite differences, recognizing that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation. In John, Jesus teaches that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through abiding in Him. Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God and with one another is essential. As branches on the vine, we must stay connected to Christ through prayer, sacraments, and living out His teachings. In our daily lives, this means trusting in God’s grace, seeking unity with others, and striving to bear fruit through acts of love and service. May we abide in Christ, allowing His words to guide us, so that we may glorify the Father and live as true disciples of Jesus.