Daily Readings - Fri May 23 2025

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 encounter powerful themes of unity, love, and the essence of Christian living. The first reading from Acts 15:22-31 recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church addressed the inclusion of Gentile converts. The Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, resolved the conflict by establishing essential guidelines, emphasizing love and unity over division. This moment was pivotal, showing the Church's ability to navigate differences and grow harmoniously. The Gospel from John 15:12-17 shifts focus to Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, where He commands us to love one another as He loved us. Jesus redefines the disciples as friends, not servants, sharing His Father’s truths with them. This intimate teaching underscores the depth of God’s love and our role as bearers of this love. Jesus’ commandment is clear: love is the hallmark of His followers. Both readings highlight the importance of unity and love. The early Church’s decision in Acts was rooted in Jesus’ teachings, demonstrating how love and unity can overcome discord. In our lives, we face similar challenges, whether in personal relationships or community conflicts. The readings remind us to approach these situations with selfless love, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides. Jesus’ example calls us to prioritize love, even when it requires sacrifice. Let us strive to embody this love, fostering harmony and reflecting God’s grace in all we do.