Daily Readings - Wed May 22 2019
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
The first reading from Acts 15.1-6 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church. Certain individuals from Judea insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved. This caused great debate, leading to the decision that Paul, Barnabas, and others should travel to Jerusalem to resolve the issue. The reading highlights the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers and the Church’s effort to maintain unity amidst differing traditions. The apostles and elders gathered to address this matter, setting the stage for the Council of Jerusalem, which would ultimately declare that Gentiles did not need to observe the full Law of Moses to be part of the Christian community.
The Gospel reading from John 15.1-8 shifts our focus to Jesus’ teachings about the relationship between the vine and the branches. Jesus declares Himself to be the true vine, and His Father the vinedresser. He emphasizes that branches (His followers) must abide in Him to bear fruit. Those who do not remain in Him are unable to produce fruit and are eventually cut away. This passage underscores the necessity of remaining connected to Christ, for it is only through this union that believers can live fruitful and meaningful lives. Jesus also promises that if His words abide in us, our prayers will be answered, and we will bring glory to the Father by bearing much fruit.
Both readings speak to the theme of unity and dependence on God. In Acts, the early Church works to maintain unity despite differences, recognizing that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation. In John, Jesus teaches that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through abiding in Him. Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God and with one another is essential. As branches on the vine, we must stay connected to Christ through prayer, sacraments, and living out His teachings. In our daily lives, this means trusting in God’s grace, seeking unity with others, and striving to bear fruit through acts of love and service. May we abide in Christ, allowing His words to guide us, so that we may glorify the Father and live as true disciples of Jesus.