Do we Sort out the Issues for Good!

 

5th Week of Easter Wednesday

Acts 15:1-6

 Meditation

Do we Sort out the Issues for Good!

The issue of circumcision for non-Jews was proposed as necessary. St Paul taught them the non-Jews didn't need to have circumcision to believe in Jesus. Anyway, the word has spread about the need for circumcision for the believer. St Paul sets out for Jerusalem to sort out the matter. He goes to the mother church to discuss with the apostles' elders the matter. They received him well into the church of Jerusalem.

 The apostles and elders were together to look into the matter and settle it. We know their discussion is the result of so many non-Jewish believers in the world. It is very important to settle the matter of faith together and the elders of the church have to work along with the Spirit of God to make possible what is good and acceptable to the community of believers. Let us not hold on to the dark traditions with will not bring unity and brotherhood/sisterhood.

Do we seek to sort the matters of contention together for good?

Gospel: Jn 15:1-8

Meditation

Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the true vine and my Father is the vine dresser.  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.” A farmer knows how to take care of the vine. He cares for it, and as part of his caring, he prunes it. The farmer knows what is unwanted and how to make it bear fruit.

 Pruning is painful. It leaves the plant half dead.  However, in due time, new shoots come, and it is almost entirely a new plant. The new plant with new life in it bears plenty of fruit and of good quality. It is hard and difficult for the farmer to do this work of pruning, but he does it for the sake of a good crop. The Lord prunes those whom he loves and wants them to bear much fruit in his mission.

Have you gone through the experience of pruning in your life?

Fr Putti Anthaiah Sdb