Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Recently, a friend emailed me to ask me the Catholic answer to a theological question that he and a co-worker were debating at work. His co-worker had left the Church and become a Calvinist. On many levels my friend’s description of the conversation seemed to keep boiling down to a discussion about the depravity of humanity and who could be saved. In my response to my friend I explained original sin, and suggested that he read paragraph 16 of Lumen Gentium, a document from Vatican II. Then, I sent the e-mail and began to reread the readings for the reflection for today. It was then I recognized with clarity the same themes were the content of today’s readings.
In the first reading, the Apostles were wrestling with the idea of salvation and who was able to be saved. Because of their differing points of view and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles called the Church together to discuss and discern a path forward. Today, we call that gathering a Church Council. The words from today’s first reading recall the opening of this first council, the Council of Jerusalem. Like this council, most are convened to address a point of doctrinal tension within the Church. In this case, the issues were whether the followers of Christ must become circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law. The first reading ends with the Apostles and the priests meeting to discuss the controversial topic.
We know now that the Church discerned that it not necessary for its followers to be circumcised in order to become Christian. That said today’s gospel does make clear that we must be grafted to the true vine that is Christ. When we are inter-connected with Christ our lives will bear much fruit. Is there a way that the Lord is trying to prune us so that connection to the vine can be strengthened? How will this pruning help us bear more fruit?
Lord, You are the true vine, and You alone can save us. Help us to recognize clearly the ways You are counseling us to follow You; who lives and reigns, one God now and forever! Amen! Alleluia!
-Michael Montgomery