Daily Readings - Fri May 23 2025
Acts
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.
John
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 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.