Contemplation

In the first reading of the sixth Sunday of Easter, we see conflict beginning to arise in the early church communities. Let us enter the scene and watch how this conflict is resolved by the help of the Holy Spirit.

• Who are you in this scene? Paul? Barnabas? Silas? Barsabbas? One of the men who came down from Judaea? One of the Apostles or elders? Are you a Jew who has converted to Christianity? A Gentile who has converted to Christianity? Are you someone journeying with the apostles?

• If you are a Jewish disciple, how do you feel about non-Jewish disciples not adhering to the Law of Moses by not being circumcised since as far as they were concerned it was an important mark identifying them as one of God’s people? Are you scandalised at this? Are you one of those who feel that the Gentile converts should adhere to they same laws as Jewish converts? Or do you think it doesn’t matter because the law is so old and circumcision does not affect one’s faith in God? Do you just feel happy that Gentiles are converting in great numbers and that the Good News is for everyone?

• If you are Paul or Barnabas, are you annoyed with these men from Judaea imposing their beliefs on the Gentile converts? Do you think they are interfering? Or do you think that this issue was going to arise sooner or later and needs to be addressed? Do you feel that the decision could not be taken by you alone and that is why you went with the details of the conflict to the apostles and elders? Do you see that there needs to be a balance between the feelings of the Jewish converts and Gentiles?

• If you are one of the Gentile converts, how do you feel about these Judaean converts wanting you to be circumcised? Do you cringe at the thought? Do you regard the practice as a type of mutilation and don’t see the point of it? Or do you try to understand the Jews point of view?

• What is the atmosphere like as the apostles and elders discuss the issue? Are the arguments heated or are they conducted civilly, with respect and sensitivity? Can you see the work of the Holy Spirit as they came to a conclusion? Are you surprised that the decision is unanimous?

• How do you feel when the church leaders make it clear that this is not their decision alone but that of the Holy Spirit? Do you remember Jesus’ words to Peter, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven”? Does this make you confident with the decision that the gentiles should not be burdened by the Jewish law of circumcision? Can you see that what the Gentiles are being asked to do i.e. abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from fornication are not practices for Jews alone but for anyone who lives by the Word of God?

• Does this conflict make you think about the real meaning of your faith in these ever changing times? Can you see the Holy Spirit at work in your life and that of the life of the church? Can you see that this process of walking together in mutual respect and understanding is powerful?

Speak to the Risen Christ about the conflicts that arise in your faith journey and ask for the grace that like the Jews and Gentiles you too can walk together with others in respect and love.