Daily Readings - Wed May 05 2021
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 encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 15:1-6 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church where leaders gathered to resolve a dispute over whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish customs like circumcision. This council exemplifies the church's commitment to unity and inclusion, deciding that faith in Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for salvation, thus welcoming Gentiles without additional burdens. The second reading, John 15:1-8, is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, where He uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the essential relationship between Himself and His followers. Jesus emphasizes that our ability to bear fruit comes from abiding in Him, much like branches rely on the vine for nourishment.
Both readings highlight the theme of unity and connection. In Acts, the unity of the early church is evident as they navigate differences and reach a decision that promotes harmony and inclusion. In John, Jesus underscores the necessity of remaining connected to Him as the source of spiritual life and fruitfulness. This connection is not just individual but communal, as we are all branches of the same vine, called to support and nurture one another. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is both personal and communal, requiring us to stay rooted in Christ and to work towards unity in our diverse body of believers.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are called to examine how we stay connected to Christ and how we foster unity with others. Just as the early church listened to the Spirit and reached a decision that embraced Gentiles, we too must be open to the Spirit’s guidance in our own lives and communities. We are to abide in Christ through prayer, sacraments, and living out His teachings. Additionally, we are to bear fruit by loving and serving others, which is only possible when we remain connected to the vine. Let us strive to be branches that bring joy and life to those around us, remembering that without Christ, we can do nothing, but with Him, we can bear much fruit.