Daily Readings - Thu May 23 2019
Acts
7And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.8And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,9and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.10Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?11But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."12And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me.14Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.15And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,16"'After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it,17that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things18known from of old.'19Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,20but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.21For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the universal call to follow God’s will and to live in His love. The first reading from Acts describes a pivotal moment in the early Church, where the apostles and elders gather to discuss whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law to be fully part of the Christian community. Peter recalls how God had revealed to him that the Gospel was meant for all people, not just the Jews, and how the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles just as on the Jews. James then references the prophets to confirm that God’s plan has always included the Gentiles, and the assembly agrees that they should not impose unnecessary burdens on the converts, only asking them to avoid certain practices that could lead them away from God. This decision reflects the early Church’s growing understanding of its mission to all nations.
The Gospel reading from John 15 emphasizes the central place of love in the Christian life. Jesus tells us that He has loved us as the Father has loved Him, and He calls us to remain in His love by keeping His commandments. This is not a burden, but a path to joy. Just as Jesus abides in the Father’s love by keeping His will, we are called to abide in Jesus’ love by living according to His teachings. This mutual relationship of love is the heart of the Christian life.
These readings remind us that our faith is rooted in God’s universal love and His desire to draw all people to Himself. The early Church’s decision to welcome Gentiles without imposing unnecessary restrictions teaches us about the importance of unity and inclusivity. We are called to live in a way that reflects God’s love, avoiding anything that might create division or hinder others from coming to Him. At the same time, the Gospel reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to living according to God’s will. As we strive to follow Christ, we must ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects God’s universal love? Are we keeping His commandments and abiding in His love? Let us seek to live in unity and joy, rooted in the love that Jesus has shared with us.