Daily Readings - Wed May 18 2022
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 lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 15 highlights a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church where leaders gathered to resolve a contentious issue: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved. This meeting, known as the Council of Jerusalem, was crucial as it shaped the inclusive nature of Christianity, emphasizing faith over ritual. The second reading, from John 15, presents Jesus as the true vine, illustrating the essential relationship between Him and His followers. Jesus emphasizes that just as branches rely on the vine for nourishment, we must abide in Him to bear spiritual fruit.
These readings are intricately connected through themes of unity and spiritual nourishment. Acts 15 shows the early church navigating differences to maintain unity, ultimately deciding that circumcision was not required for salvation. This decision underscored the importance of grace and inclusion. Similarly, John 15 teaches that our spiritual life flows from our connection to Christ, the vine. Together, these passages remind us that our faith community thrives when we stay connected to Christ and embrace diversity in love.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are reminded of the importance of community and connection. Just as the early church found unity through their faith, we can navigate our own disagreements by staying rooted in Christ. Practically, this means actively participating in our faith communities, engaging in prayer, and serving others. The moral lesson is clear: our spiritual vitality depends on abiding in Christ. Without Him, we cannot produce the fruits of love, joy, and peace. Let us strive to remain in His love and teachings, just as branches rely on the vine, so we may bear much fruit and glorify God.