Daily Readings - Fri May 07 2021

²²Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:²³And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:²⁴Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:²⁵It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,²⁶Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.²⁷We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.²⁸For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;²⁹That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.³⁰So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:³¹Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

John

Chapter 15

¹²This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.¹³Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.¹⁴Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.¹⁵Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.¹⁶Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.¹⁷These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Sermon

In today's readings, we reflect on the essence of unity and love within the Christian community. The first reading from Acts recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church addressed the inclusion of Gentile converts, demonstrating a commitment to unity and compassion. The decision to send delegates with reassuring guidelines highlights the importance of maintaining harmony amidst diversity. The Gospel from John emphasizes Jesus' teachings on love and friendship, urging His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, and to bear lasting fruit through their actions. These readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme of unity and love. The Council of Jerusalem shows the Church's adaptability and focus on unity, while Jesus' Farewell Discourse underscores the transformative power of love. Together, they remind us that unity and love are not just ideals but actionable principles for Christian living. In our daily lives, we are called to embody these values. Whether resolving conflicts with compassion or reaching out to others with selfless love, we must foster unity and support one another. Just as the early Church and Jesus' disciples were chosen to bear fruit, we too are called to live out our faith in ways that reflect the unity and love that define our Christian identity.