Daily Readings - Wed May 02 2018
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.
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 reflections on unity and connection. The first reading from Acts 15.1-6 recounts the Jerusalem Council, where the early Christian community grappled with whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law, particularly circumcision. This pivotal moment highlights the church's commitment to unity and inclusion, as they sought to embrace all believers regardless of background. The decision reached emphasized faith in Christ over adherence to specific rituals, setting a precedent for a unified and inclusive church.
The Gospel from John 15.1-8 shifts focus to Jesus' metaphor of the vine and branches. Here, Jesus underscores the essential connection between Himself and His followers. Just as branches derive life and productivity from the vine, believers must remain connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit. This imagery reminds us that our strength and ability to live a fruitful Christian life come from our relationship with Him.
These readings together remind us of the dual importance of unity within the church and our personal connection to Christ. Just as the early church navigated differences to maintain unity, we too must strive to stay connected to Christ and to one another. In our daily lives, this means actively seeking ways to remain in prayer, participate in community, and live out Christ's teachings. By doing so, we not only bear fruit as individuals but also contribute to the larger body of Christ, fostering a community that is both united and fruitful. The moral lesson here is clear: our connection to Christ and our commitment to unity are vital for living a meaningful and impactful Christian life.