Daily Readings - Thu May 23 2019
Acts
7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.13When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me.14Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself.15The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:16"'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,17that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'18that have been known for ages.19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.21For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the universal call to follow God’s will and to live in His love. The first reading from Acts describes a pivotal moment in the early Church, where the apostles and elders gather to discuss whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law to be fully part of the Christian community. Peter recalls how God had revealed to him that the Gospel was meant for all people, not just the Jews, and how the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles just as on the Jews. James then references the prophets to confirm that God’s plan has always included the Gentiles, and the assembly agrees that they should not impose unnecessary burdens on the converts, only asking them to avoid certain practices that could lead them away from God. This decision reflects the early Church’s growing understanding of its mission to all nations.
The Gospel reading from John 15 emphasizes the central place of love in the Christian life. Jesus tells us that He has loved us as the Father has loved Him, and He calls us to remain in His love by keeping His commandments. This is not a burden, but a path to joy. Just as Jesus abides in the Father’s love by keeping His will, we are called to abide in Jesus’ love by living according to His teachings. This mutual relationship of love is the heart of the Christian life.
These readings remind us that our faith is rooted in God’s universal love and His desire to draw all people to Himself. The early Church’s decision to welcome Gentiles without imposing unnecessary restrictions teaches us about the importance of unity and inclusivity. We are called to live in a way that reflects God’s love, avoiding anything that might create division or hinder others from coming to Him. At the same time, the Gospel reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to living according to God’s will. As we strive to follow Christ, we must ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects God’s universal love? Are we keeping His commandments and abiding in His love? Let us seek to live in unity and joy, rooted in the love that Jesus has shared with us.