Daily Readings - Thu May 18 2017
Acts
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?11But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.12Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,16After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.18Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:20But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.21For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
John
9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two pivotal moments in the history of our faith. The first reading from Acts 15:7-21 recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church grappled with whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish traditions like circumcision. Peter's impassioned speech and James' wise conclusion emphasized God's universal love, leading to a decision that welcomed Gentiles without imposing unnecessary burdens. This moment was crucial as it set the course for Christianity to spread beyond its Jewish roots, embracing a diverse and inclusive community.
The Gospel reading from John 15:9-11 shifts our focus to Jesus' words about abiding in His love. He teaches that just as He keeps His Father's commandments, we must do the same to remain in His love. This mutual bond of love and obedience is the essence of our relationship with God, promising joy and fulfillment.
These readings intertwine beautifully, both highlighting the themes of love and unity. The Council's decision was an act of love, recognizing God's plan for all people. Similarly, Jesus' commandment to love is not just a rule but an invitation to a deeper, joyful relationship with Him. Together, they remind us that our faith is both inclusive and transformative.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to embrace diversity and unity within our communities. Just as the early Church navigated differences to find common ground, we too can build bridges of understanding and love. By keeping Jesus' commandments, we not only abide in His love but also become vessels of that love in the world. Let us strive to be instruments of God's love, fostering unity and joy in all we do.