Thursday of the 5th week of Easter
Acts 15: 7-21 John 15: 9-11
Theme: The love of God
In the 1st reading of today from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Peter admonishing the people about the love of God for all his people. In the speech of Peter, he points out the fact that God loves all his children, and we should not create divisions amongst ourselves, by thinking we are superior to others. Whether Jew or Gentile, whether circumcised or not, one thing that binds us together is the fact that we are all children of God. God is not selective in his relationship with us, that is why when he sent his son Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still sinners, he died for everyone of us, not only the Jewish people or any selected group of people. This simply points out the fact that the teaching of Christ is all inclusive, no one is excluded, except those who have chosen to exclude themselves. No matter the position we find ourselves in life, always allow this fact to guide your actions and relationships with others.
As children of God that we are called to be, it is expected that we should strive to emulate the teaching presented to us in the 1st reading of today. It is very important in our own time. This stems from the fact that some people are interested in creating divisions that will separate people, instead of building bridges that will bring us all together as children of God. It is common in our own time to see people emphasizing their status in life, their qualifications, where they come from, what they have achieved in life, and so many other things that divide us. Today Peter is speaking to all of us, and he wants us to rather promote what unites us, as against the things that will divide us. To adhere to his admonition is to follow the footsteps of Christ in our daily lives. Now is the time for us to take that bold step in our lives and begin to bring down the walls that we have built around ourselves because of our societal status and what we have achieved in our lives. Remember, Jesus did not allow his Divinity to influence his common mission for Gods people, and that is what we are all encouraged to practice in our lives.
In the gospel reading of today from St. John, Jesus invites us to abide in his love, so that your joy will be complete. To abide in the love of Jesus, means we must emulate him in our way of life and practice it daily. Never think it is not possible, his grace is sufficient for you. May the grace of God sustain us all, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.