Daily Readings - Wed May 10 2023
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
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, community, and our relationship with God. In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we witness a pivotal moment in the early Church. The question of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved sparked a lively debate. This was not merely a matter of ritual but a deeper question about the universality of the Gospel. The early Church leaders recognized that God’s plan was broader than they had imagined, and through the Holy Spirit, they discerned that salvation was open to all, regardless of cultural or ritual practices.
The Gospel reading from John 15 presents Jesus as the true vine, with us as the branches. This imagery emphasizes our total dependence on God for life and fruitfulness. Just as branches cannot bear fruit on their own, we cannot live a meaningful Christian life without abiding in Christ. Jesus’ words remind us that our spiritual vitality comes from remaining connected to Him through prayer, the sacraments, and living according to His teachings.
These readings remind us that our faith is not a solitary journey but a communal one. Like the early Church, we must trust in God’s guidance and be open to the ways the Spirit leads us. As branches on the vine, we are called to bear fruit—acts of love, kindness, and service—that glorify God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I staying connected to Christ? Am I allowing His words to dwell in me? Let us pray for the grace to trust in God’s plan and to remain fruitful branches of the true vine.