Daily Readings - Wed May 21 2025
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 spiritual journey. The first reading from Acts 15:1-6 presents a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, where a dispute arises over the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts. This conflict reflects the broader challenge of inclusion and unity as the church navigates its identity. The decision to seek guidance in Jerusalem underscores the importance of communal discernment and the pursuit of unity amidst diversity.
The Gospel reading from John 15:1-8 shifts our focus to the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to emphasize the essential connection we must maintain with Him. Just as branches draw sustenance from the vine, our spiritual vitality depends on abiding in Christ. This connection is not merely for survival but for abundant fruitfulness, as Jesus promises that our prayers will be answered and we will glorify the Father through our fruitful lives.
These readings together highlight the interplay between communal unity and personal spiritual life. The early church's ability to resolve conflicts and maintain unity was rooted in their connection to Christ, the vine. As we navigate our own challenges and disagreements, we are reminded to stay connected to Jesus through prayer and community. This connection empowers us to bear fruit in our actions and attitudes, fostering a spirit of love and unity. The moral lesson here is clear: our spiritual life must be both personally nourished and communally expressed, reflecting Jesus' command to love one another and bear fruit.