Daily Readings - Wed May 18 2022
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 lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 15 highlights a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church where leaders gathered to resolve a contentious issue: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved. This meeting, known as the Council of Jerusalem, was crucial as it shaped the inclusive nature of Christianity, emphasizing faith over ritual. The second reading, from John 15, presents Jesus as the true vine, illustrating the essential relationship between Him and His followers. Jesus emphasizes that just as branches rely on the vine for nourishment, we must abide in Him to bear spiritual fruit.
These readings are intricately connected through themes of unity and spiritual nourishment. Acts 15 shows the early church navigating differences to maintain unity, ultimately deciding that circumcision was not required for salvation. This decision underscored the importance of grace and inclusion. Similarly, John 15 teaches that our spiritual life flows from our connection to Christ, the vine. Together, these passages remind us that our faith community thrives when we stay connected to Christ and embrace diversity in love.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are reminded of the importance of community and connection. Just as the early church found unity through their faith, we can navigate our own disagreements by staying rooted in Christ. Practically, this means actively participating in our faith communities, engaging in prayer, and serving others. The moral lesson is clear: our spiritual vitality depends on abiding in Christ. Without Him, we cannot produce the fruits of love, joy, and peace. Let us strive to remain in His love and teachings, just as branches rely on the vine, so we may bear much fruit and glorify God.