Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 7, 2021
First Reading: Acts 15.22-31
22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.23With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.24We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.25So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul--26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:29You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.30The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter.31The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.
Psalm 57
1Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.2I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.3He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah God sends his love and his faithfulness.4I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts- men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.6They spread a net for my feet- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path- but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah7My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.8Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.9I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.10For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
Gospel: John 15.12-17
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.14You are my friends if you do what I command.15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.17This is my command: Love each other.
Sermon
In today's readings, we reflect on the essence of unity and love within the Christian community. The first reading from Acts recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church addressed the inclusion of Gentile converts, demonstrating a commitment to unity and compassion. The decision to send delegates with reassuring guidelines highlights the importance of maintaining harmony amidst diversity. The Gospel from John emphasizes Jesus' teachings on love and friendship, urging His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, and to bear lasting fruit through their actions.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme of unity and love. The Council of Jerusalem shows the Church's adaptability and focus on unity, while Jesus' Farewell Discourse underscores the transformative power of love. Together, they remind us that unity and love are not just ideals but actionable principles for Christian living.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody these values. Whether resolving conflicts with compassion or reaching out to others with selfless love, we must foster unity and support one another. Just as the early Church and Jesus' disciples were chosen to bear fruit, we too are called to live out our faith in ways that reflect the unity and love that define our Christian identity.