5th week in Easter Time, Friday – 12th May 2023 – Acts 15,22-31; Jn 15,12-17
Discernment in Action
In the first reading, the leaders of the early church produced the first pastoral message from the first ecumenical council. They proclaimed that Gentiles need not become Jews in order to become Christians. A convert to Christianity needs only to keep the basic commandments of avoiding idolatrous practices and remaining faithful to marriage vows. Being a Christian is much different than being a slave to rituals and rules. The leaders were conscious that in setting policies, they need not show off that they were well known in faith and had authority to force others to do what they wanted. They were called rather to love one another, not burdening others with laws that they themselves could not keep. They were more open to discussions, prayers and seeking guidance of the Holy Spirit. They felt that they are being guided by the Holy Spirit to sort out issues not only of the present times, but for the future as well. Thus, they initiated the discernment process of looking at the different sides of the issue and praying for a consensus.
