Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 1, 2024
First Reading: Acts 15.1-6
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.
Psalm 122
1I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"2Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!3Jerusalem--built as a city that is bound firmly together,4to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.5There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they be secure who love you!7Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!"8For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, "Peace be within you!"9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Gospel: John 15.1-8
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 readings today invite us to reflect on unity and our connection to Christ. In the first reading from Acts, the early church faces a significant disagreement about whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish customs like circumcision to be saved. This debate leads to a gathering in Jerusalem, where the Apostles and elders discern God's will, ultimately deciding that Gentiles do not need to follow the full Mosaic law, emphasizing faith in Jesus as sufficient for salvation. This moment is pivotal, showing the church's commitment to unity amidst diversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. He is the vine, and we are the branches. Jesus emphasizes that apart from Him, we can do nothing—our spiritual life and fruitfulness depend on abiding in Him. This image underscores the necessity of staying connected to Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and living according to His teachings.
These readings remind us that unity and connection to Christ are vital. Just as the early church navigated differences to maintain unity, we too must work towards harmony within our communities. By abiding in Christ, we find the strength to overcome divisions and bear fruit in our lives. Let us strive to stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, and foster unity, allowing His love to flow through us, transforming our lives and the world around us.