In times of disagreement and dealing with complex Church matters, what better way can there be? Then to come together as One Church to discern a solution through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We give glory to God when we honour the gifts, wisdom and strength of our fellow sisters and brothers by our receptiveness; through humility, and respect for one another. For we know that all things are possible for the Lord our God and so we can expect to have breakthroughs! For in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
So yes indeed while we are many branches and varied for that matter, we are still all connected to the One Vine, the source and summit of our lives; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! A branch cannot bear fruit on its own! It must be connected to the vine and just as we the many branches are connected to the same vine, so then we too are connected to one another. Do you see it yet? Yes indeed we are One body in Him, in perfect and holy communion!
Jesus my Lord remain in me as I remain in You. Let it be known that I am Your disciple by the fruit I bear. Amen Alleluia
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First reading
Acts 15:1-6
They were to go up to Jerusalem and discuss the problem with the apostles and elders
Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers, ‘Unless you have yourselves circumcised in the tradition of Moses you cannot be saved.’ This led to disagreement, and after Paul and Barnabas had had a long argument with these men it was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and others of the church should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the problem with the apostles and elders.
All the members of the church saw them off, and as they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria they told how the pagans had been converted, and this news was received with the greatest satisfaction by the brothers. When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church and by the apostles and elders, and gave an account of all that God had done with them.
But certain members of the Pharisees’ party who had become believers objected, insisting that the pagans should be circumcised and instructed to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders met to look into the matter.
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Gospel
John 15:1-8
I am the vine, you are the branches
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I am the true vine,
and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit
he cuts away,
and every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes to make it bear even more.
You are pruned already,
by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
but must remain part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine,
you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me, with me in him,
bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers;
these branches are collected and thrown on the fire,
and they are burnt.
If you remain in me
and my words remain in you,
you may ask what you will
and you shall get it.
It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit,
and then you will be my disciples.’
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