Daily Readings - Wed May 13 2020
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, spiritual growth, and dependence on Christ. The first reading from Acts 15:1-6 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where a dispute arises over whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish traditions like circumcision. This conflict leads to a gathering in Jerusalem, where the Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, decide that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation, embracing Gentiles without imposing unnecessary burdens. This decision reflects the church's growing understanding of its universal mission and the unity found in Christ.
The Gospel reading, John 15:1-8, uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our dependence on Christ. Jesus, the vine, nourishes us, and we, as branches, must abide in Him to bear fruit. This metaphor emphasizes that our spiritual vitality and productivity stem from our connection to Him. Just as branches cannot thrive on their own, we cannot live a fruitful Christian life without abiding in Christ.
These readings connect in their emphasis on unity and dependence on Christ. The early church's decision to include Gentiles without circumcision reflects their recognition that true life comes from Christ, not external practices. Similarly, the vine metaphor reminds us that our spiritual life flows from abiding in Christ. In our daily lives, this means embracing unity, letting go of unnecessary divisions, and nurturing our connection to Christ. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, leading to a fruitful and united spiritual life. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength and unity come from Christ, and by abiding in Him, we bear fruit that glorifies God.