Daily Readings - Wed May 02 2018
Acts
1Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.3The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."6The apostles and elders met to consider this question.
John
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on unity and connection. The first reading from Acts 15.1-6 recounts the Jerusalem Council, where the early Christian community grappled with whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law, particularly circumcision. This pivotal moment highlights the church's commitment to unity and inclusion, as they sought to embrace all believers regardless of background. The decision reached emphasized faith in Christ over adherence to specific rituals, setting a precedent for a unified and inclusive church.
The Gospel from John 15.1-8 shifts focus to Jesus' metaphor of the vine and branches. Here, Jesus underscores the essential connection between Himself and His followers. Just as branches derive life and productivity from the vine, believers must remain connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit. This imagery reminds us that our strength and ability to live a fruitful Christian life come from our relationship with Him.
These readings together remind us of the dual importance of unity within the church and our personal connection to Christ. Just as the early church navigated differences to maintain unity, we too must strive to stay connected to Christ and to one another. In our daily lives, this means actively seeking ways to remain in prayer, participate in community, and live out Christ's teachings. By doing so, we not only bear fruit as individuals but also contribute to the larger body of Christ, fostering a community that is both united and fruitful. The moral lesson here is clear: our connection to Christ and our commitment to unity are vital for living a meaningful and impactful Christian life.