You’re Fired!

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 15:1-6; PS 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5; Jn 15:1-8

Notes

Th reading cycles (Weekday Year II and Sunday Cycle B) this year has the gospel reading today the same as the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The first readings are different and yet identical: Conflict. In both cases faith dialog was the way to resolve. From Sunday the conflict was between the Apostles (not accepting Paul) and the Hellenists not accepting the Good News. From today’s first reading the conflict was the issue of circumcision being a required part of following this new sect of Jewish thinking (not yet broken off from the body of Jewish believers).

In both case, the issue was resolved by dialog.

1. (Sunday) Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
2. (Wednesday) The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

Summary

Previously we discussed how the Branches are an essential part of the Vine who is the conduit of the Vine Master. Go back to Sunday’s reflection on that. For Christians we speak of fruitfulness as the fruit of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts of the Holy Spirit (most fully given in Confirmation) bring about change in the person. And this change is most often is described as love. The FIRE of God’s love.

However, there remains one more practical meaning of all this (See Is 24:18; Am 9:1–4).

Reflection

The prophets (Ezekiel, Isaiah, Amos) condemn these things:

1. Religiosity and formalism of the worship by Israel’s leaders.
2. Unholy Alliances with the Nations.
3. Worship of False Gods.

Personal Reflection

The Fire of the Holy Spirit is how we understand the fire of God until Judgement Day. Two different types of fires. We often see the effects of the Holy Spirit in dialog.

1. Fire of Conviction and call to return
2. Fire of permanent distance.

Pick the first one.

First Reading

The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

Responsorial

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.

Gospel

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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry