Acts of the Apostles 15: 1-2, 22-29
Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23
John 14: 23-29
Luke's account (in the Acts of the Apostles) is of an early controversy in the growing Christian church-- what exactly, legally, technically, is required to be a 'good Christian'?
(Sadly, that's a question that some people are still obsessed with today)
The earliest followers of Jesus were, of course, Jews - and they had remained practicing Jews even as they began living like Christ (Christian). When the Good News began to spread to the Gentiles (people who were not Jewish) it caused an identity crisis: do we first have to convert the Gentiles to Judaism, in order for them to be fully Christian??
Beyond being an honest theological struggle, this is an all-too-familiar human situation: those considered part of the 'in-crowd' are often tempted to make admission standards oppressively high. Beyond this particular controversy, we can look to the first reading for an example of a Spirit-led discernment and decision-making process. We can see in the early Church clear evidence of a collegial deliberation which involved not just the hierarchy, but listening to people representing all of its members, and only completed once word went back to Jerusalem of the various communities acceptance of the decision. The larger an institution becomes, the harder to hold to this ideal.
But is it possible in our own families, maybe even among our co-workers? This week, consider how well you allow the Spirit to help you listen to others with attention and intention. If you are in a position of leadership, how open are you to learning from those you lead? If you are not in a 'position of power', what ways are most effective for communicating your needs, insights and convictions?
Mystagogia continues this Sunday, 10:45-11:30am.
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