Word to the Wise
Thursday, May 19, 2022 - 5th Week of Easter - Thurs
[Acts 15:7-21 and John 15:9-11]"My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and then, for by faith he purified their hearts." [Acts]
One of the most important moments in the history of Christianity is being presented to us in today's first scripture (and yesterday) from the Acts of the Apostles. It is called "the Council of Jerusalem." The fundamental question was whether or not Christianity would continue to be a "sect" of Judaism or be open to "Gentiles" who had not ever been Jews or followed Jewish customs. Part of this story hinged on the "conversion" of two key figures: Peter (ch. 11) and Paul (ch. 9). The Jerusalem party was headed by James, the "brother of Jesus," and the Antioch party was represented by Peter, Paul and Barnabus. The missionary efforts of the latter won out with only a minimum of kosher being required of new Gentile converts. Very importantly, the Jewish requirement of male circumcision was not demanded. With this decision, Christianity was able to spread throughout the Roman empire, especially with the efforts of Paul and other early Christian preachers (Barnabas, Apollos, etc.). The minimum requirements of the Jewish observance soon disappeared and the "Gentile" church became dominant.
The Second Vatican Council, in its document on non-Christian religions NOSTRA AETATE ("In our ages") reminds us of our Jewish roots and strongly condemns anti-semitism. The celebration of the Easter Vigil is an annual powerful liturgical reminder of those roots. But we always have at hand a simple reminder when we pick up the Bible which includes the Old Testament!!! The earliest preaching of our faith in Jesus depended on understanding the message of the prophets and psalms and promises of God to David!
It is well said that history is a great teacher. The Acts of the Apostles reminds us that every celebration of the Eucharist began as a Jewish observance and unites us with our past: "Do this in remembrance of me!" AMEN