Friday of the Fifth week of Easter
Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 56(57):8-12
John 15:12-17
In a world full of wonders, one of the most astonishing is the sheer depth of Jesus’ love for us—an invitation to experience a love that mirrors the unconditional affection God has for Him. “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” This profound message is at the heart of what drives the apostles to embrace the Gentiles into the early Church, a game-changing decision brimming with significance!
Imagine the tension in that historic moment at the Council of Jerusalem, where the future of the Church hung in the balance. Peter stands up, lighting the way with a bold declaration that the Spirit of God is indeed at work among the Gentiles! He recalls the transformative encounter with Cornelius and his family—the first Gentile Christians—reminding everyone that love knows no bounds.
With the powerful support from James, who quotes Scripture to back Peter’s vision, the atmosphere shifts. The council members, the “apostles, and presbyters,” fall into a contemplative silence before uniting in a groundbreaking agreement: a letter should be crafted, welcoming the Gentiles into the fold—like a divine encyclical from the Pope himself!
What a thrilling shift! The early Church leaders, particularly Peter, realized that God’s magnificent love is all-encompassing and that no person of good character should ever be turned away. This was more than a decision; it was a transformation that called for shifting opinions, reinterpreting laws, and wholeheartedly opening the doors to “outsiders.” The Christian journey was about to take a vibrant new turn!
It’s often said that the love of God flows like an eclectic current. You see if that current doesn’t pass through you, it can’t truly enter your heart. If the love of Jesus isn’t radiating through you to others, that’s a clear signal that you might not have truly embraced it yet. God’s love must be recognized, celebrated, and joyfully shared. And therein lies the ultimate wonder of it all!
Fr Joseph Osho