Fifth Week of Easter
10th May 2023 (Wednesday) Readings and Reflection
Reading of the Day
First Reading: ACTS 15. 1-6
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
R/. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord Or: Alleluia.
Gospel : JOHN 15. 1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: All for joy and out of love!
Indicative: God is a God of love. He knows the heart. He makes no distinction between the chosen people and the Gentiles. He saves all those who repent and turn to it{alertSuccess}
1. Remain in my love. And you will be joyful to the full. This is the imperative and also the effect of a disciple’s life. If we remain in his love, then we will experience joy in its completeness.
2. This indicates a couple of things: our joy is not complete. Secondly, it is only the Lord who can give complete joy. Specifically it is only by abiding in his love, we can obtain complete joy
3. Now it is only by keeping his commandments that we remain in his love. This loving has its model in the love between the Father and the Son. This is not merely a sentimental but sacrificial love.
4. Jesus loves his disciples just as the Father loves him. He remains in the love for the Father by keeping his commandments. Now, the Father loves the Son so much. That is why He entrusts the greatest responsibility of salvation to His Son and sacrifices His Son for that sake. Such is the Father’s love. Jesus too does the will of the Father and sacrifices his very life. Such is the love of the Son.
5. Therefore the disciples are called to follow the same love in sacrifice and altruism. The Council of Jerusalem transcends the cultural barrier of circumcision. Thereby they decide that circumcision is only a matter pertinent to religion and tradition, and not a matter of faith and spirituality. This is a clear sign of love for God, His people and the mission of salvation.
Imperative: If we love the Lord, we must keep his commandments. And our love must be like the love of the Father and the Son. This is marked by sacrifice and benevolence{alertSuccess}