Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. — Psalm 122:(see 1)

Mass readings: Acts 15:1-6 / John 15:1-8

Healthy Debate

Today’s reading from Acts sets the scene for the first of many “councils” that would take place throughout Church history. This demonstrates that differing viewpoints, dissension, and debates (and the need for reconciliation) existed even in the earliest days of the Church. At that time many Jewish Christians believed that God wanted all believers to abide by Jewish laws and traditions, but Paul and Barnabas discerned that in the conversion of the Gentiles, the Lord was doing something new.

We need not be afraid when people in the Church have different perspectives. God calls people of different backgrounds, diverse gifts, and different opinions into one Church. Unity is not uniformity. Our differences provide opportunities for prayer, healthy discussion, and mutual growth, and a reminder of our need to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to listen to each other and to hear Your voice.