Daily Readings - Wed May 17 2017
First Reading - Acts 15.1-6
Acts
1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Gospel - John 15.1-8
John
1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye 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 presents a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where a disagreement arises about whether Gentile converts must be circumcised. This conflict leads to a decision to seek guidance from the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of unity and seeking wisdom in resolving disputes.
The Gospel reading from John 15.1-8 offers a beautiful metaphor of Jesus as the vine and His followers as the branches. Jesus emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit, illustrating the deep, abiding relationship required for spiritual growth and effectiveness. This passage underscores the dependence of believers on Christ for their spiritual nourishment and productivity.
These readings connect through themes of unity and reliance on God. In Acts, the early church navigates a significant conflict with grace and unity, leading to a decision that embraces inclusivity. In John, Jesus teaches the essential connection between the believer and Himself, emphasizing that without Him, we cannot accomplish anything of lasting value. Together, they remind us to approach disagreements with love and to stay spiritually connected to Christ, ensuring that our actions and decisions are rooted in His teachings. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength and unity come from abiding in Christ, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom.