Daily Readings - Wed May 02 2018
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 reflections on unity and connection. The first reading from Acts 15.1-6 recounts the Jerusalem Council, where the early Christian community grappled with whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law, particularly circumcision. This pivotal moment highlights the church's commitment to unity and inclusion, as they sought to embrace all believers regardless of background. The decision reached emphasized faith in Christ over adherence to specific rituals, setting a precedent for a unified and inclusive church.
The Gospel from John 15.1-8 shifts focus to Jesus' metaphor of the vine and branches. Here, Jesus underscores the essential connection between Himself and His followers. Just as branches derive life and productivity from the vine, believers must remain connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit. This imagery reminds us that our strength and ability to live a fruitful Christian life come from our relationship with Him.
These readings together remind us of the dual importance of unity within the church and our personal connection to Christ. Just as the early church navigated differences to maintain unity, we too must strive to stay connected to Christ and to one another. In our daily lives, this means actively seeking ways to remain in prayer, participate in community, and live out Christ's teachings. By doing so, we not only bear fruit as individuals but also contribute to the larger body of Christ, fostering a community that is both united and fruitful. The moral lesson here is clear: our connection to Christ and our commitment to unity are vital for living a meaningful and impactful Christian life.