Daily Readings - Wed May 17 2017
First Reading - Acts 15.1-6
Acts
1And certain ones, descending from Judea, were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.2Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas made no small uprising against them, they decided that Paul and Barnabas, and some from the opposing side, should go up to the Apostles and priests in Jerusalem concerning this question3Therefore, being led by the church, they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy among all the brothers4And when they had arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the Apostles and the elders, reporting what great things God had done with them5But some from the sect of the Pharisees, those who were believers, rose up saying, "It is necessary for them to be circumcised and to be instructed to keep the Law of Moses.6And the Apostles and elders came together to take care of this matter
Gospel - John 15.1-8
John
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser2Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he will take away. And each one that does bear fruit, he will cleanse, so that it may bring forth more fruit3You are clean now, because of the word that I have spoken to you4Abide in me, and I in you. Just as the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so also are you unable, unless you abide in me5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without me, you are able to do nothing6If anyone does not abide in me, he will be cast away, like a branch, and he will wither, and they will gather him and cast him into the fire, and he burns7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, then you may ask for whatever you will, and it shall be done for you8In this, my Father is glorified: that you should bring forth very much fruit and become my disciples
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 15.1-6 presents a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where a disagreement arises about whether Gentile converts must be circumcised. This conflict leads to a decision to seek guidance from the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of unity and seeking wisdom in resolving disputes.
The Gospel reading from John 15.1-8 offers a beautiful metaphor of Jesus as the vine and His followers as the branches. Jesus emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit, illustrating the deep, abiding relationship required for spiritual growth and effectiveness. This passage underscores the dependence of believers on Christ for their spiritual nourishment and productivity.
These readings connect through themes of unity and reliance on God. In Acts, the early church navigates a significant conflict with grace and unity, leading to a decision that embraces inclusivity. In John, Jesus teaches the essential connection between the believer and Himself, emphasizing that without Him, we cannot accomplish anything of lasting value. Together, they remind us to approach disagreements with love and to stay spiritually connected to Christ, ensuring that our actions and decisions are rooted in His teachings. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength and unity come from abiding in Christ, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom.