Daily Scripture, May 23, 2025
Scripture:
Reflection:
In our first reading from Acts, we have the outcome from the meeting held in Jerusalem around the question whether Gentiles who had converted to Christianity had to become circumcised according to the Mosaic law observed by Jews. The apostles and elders discerned that the Gentile Christians did not have to be circumcised. In other words, the Gentile Christians did not have to be like Jews in order to be Christian
This account of a dispute in the early Church reminds us that conflicts can occur. And what is necessary to resolve such conflicts or debates is what we hear Jesus say at the beginning of our Gospel reading: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”
We are called to love as Jesus loves, and we have an indication of what that means: “No one has greater love than this. To lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” I don’t see doing what Jesus commands us to do as a condition for Jesus to love us. I believe Jesus loves us no matter what. I see it more as saying, “This is what you need if you truly love me and want to be in a relationship with me: do what I command you to do.”
Jesus also says: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…” We are called to go and bear fruit, not spend time passing judgments on others. However, we may resolve the disputes and conflicts that come up, even within the church, we are called to resolve them in love.
Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.
Memorial Day Scripture: Acts 19:1-8 John 16:29-33 Reflection: Today is a special day for us to remember those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. My maternal grandfather » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 Reflection: I Am With You Always Today we celebrate the feast of the Ascension We remember Christ leaving only His visible presence but » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 18:23-28 John 16:23b-28 Reflection: In the beginning of our Gospel reading for today, Jesus says to His disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23 Reflection: Most of us are familiar with the Global Positioning System. What does a GPS device do for us? It gives us directions. “Take this » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 17:15, 22-18:1 John 16:12-15 Reflection: A dream come true! I suspect that was what St. Paul was thinking as he arrived in Athens. Here he » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 16:22-34 John 16:5-11 Reflection: “I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.” John 16:13 (Gospel Acclamation) In » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 16:11-15 John 15:26-16:4a Reflection: “The Lord takes delight in his people…the Spirit of truth will testify…” One of the most amazing truths about our God is how much » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 8:5-8 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21 Reflection: I am writing this reflection on the readings of May 17, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, exactly two months before they » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 16:1-10 John 15:18-21 Reflection: When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them so they crossed through » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 15:22-31 John 15:12-17 Reflection: Both Scripture readings for today speak about relationships. In our Gospel reading, Jesus gives a commandment to His disciples: “love one another as I » Continue Reading.