Acts 15:1-6/ Ps 122:1-2. 3-4ab. 4cd-5/ Jn 15:1-8

There is gain in staying connected with Jesus especially in how obedient we are to the teaching authority of the Church. In the gospel, Jesus used the analogy of the vine to teach his disciples what he expects of them. They must always remain in him. When there was trouble in the early Church, a procedure was followed, and a council was called in Jerusalem as seen in the first reading. Conscious of the fact that the Holy Spirit was in its midst, the council discussed, listened and made a decision which was passed on to the other communities. One of the ways to discern the good and bad spirit in us is to evaluate our ability to be obedient to the constituted authorities of the Church, and ecclesiastical laws. We must be weary of those who see themselves as “above the law” and superior to the teaching authority of the Church and scripture. Jesus said, “abide in me and I in you,” so that we may bear much fruit. 

Prayer: Lord, direct our hearts to always abide in you. May we seek appropriate ways to resolve our conflicts, and disagreements as Christians, especially on matters concerning doctrine and faith, so that, we may be one flock under one shepherd. Amen.