1ST READING Disputes and disagreements will always be a part of the life of any organization, including the Church. What matters is not that they exist or happen but how we deal with them. Does a Gentile convert to Christianity need to be circumcised or not? Is circumcision necessary for salvation? This is the question the Church had to confront. We know the answer they came to, but let us try to reflect a little on the process in order to help us resolve the disagreements that we are involved with in our lives. Acts 15:1-6 1 Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” 2 Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. 3 They were sent on their journey by the Church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brethren. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. 5 But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” 6 The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. P S A L M Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. 1 I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. (R) 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (R) GOSPEL None of us have our lives perfectly situated and this is why we need to be pruned and formed in the ways of Christ. Not even the most holy men and women thought they were beyond conversion. They strove to grow in their knowledge and experience of God. God is always calling us toward perfection, which is accomplished only in eternal life. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit. John 15:1-8 1 Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. 3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. 4 Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” think: What matters is not that disagreements and disputes exist or happen but how we deal with them. T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________ _______________________________________________________ God’s special verse/thought for me today________________ _________________________________________________________ READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Deuteronomy 27-30 Deuteronomy 27-30 | ||
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