5th week in Easter Time, Thursday – 11th May 2023 – Acts 5,7-21; Jn 15,9-11
Salvation is a Free Gift
The first reading presents the discussion in depth about the issue of circumcision. The conclusions made by the council of Jerusalem can be divided into three parts: 1) The speech of Peter, head of the apostles; 2) The statement of James, the leader of the Jerusalem church; and 3) an ‘encyclical’ letter (first of many) sent to the churches. James, the leader and relative of Jesus, in his statement says that no unnecessary burdens should be put on Gentiles who wish to be converted. He lists four things Gentile Christians should avoid. 1) Pollution from idols; 2) Unlawful marriage; 3) Meat of strangled animals; and 4) Blood. In favouring the faith of the Gentiles and in requesting to avoid certain regulations, James highlights that Jesus has brought salvation for all freely and gratuitously. Therefore, keeping the precepts does not help in attaining one’s salvation.
