Daily Readings - Wed May 13 2020
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 explore themes of unity, spiritual growth, and dependence on Christ. The first reading from Acts 15:1-6 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where a dispute arises over whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish traditions like circumcision. This conflict leads to a gathering in Jerusalem, where the Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, decide that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation, embracing Gentiles without imposing unnecessary burdens. This decision reflects the church's growing understanding of its universal mission and the unity found in Christ.
The Gospel reading, John 15:1-8, uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our dependence on Christ. Jesus, the vine, nourishes us, and we, as branches, must abide in Him to bear fruit. This metaphor emphasizes that our spiritual vitality and productivity stem from our connection to Him. Just as branches cannot thrive on their own, we cannot live a fruitful Christian life without abiding in Christ.
These readings connect in their emphasis on unity and dependence on Christ. The early church's decision to include Gentiles without circumcision reflects their recognition that true life comes from Christ, not external practices. Similarly, the vine metaphor reminds us that our spiritual life flows from abiding in Christ. In our daily lives, this means embracing unity, letting go of unnecessary divisions, and nurturing our connection to Christ. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, leading to a fruitful and united spiritual life. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength and unity come from Christ, and by abiding in Him, we bear fruit that glorifies God.