A Thought Related to Today's First Reading

Today's assigned first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 15:1-6):

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,“Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” 

Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters about this question. They were sent on their journey by the Church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brethren.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”

The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

As I was reflecting on this reading, I thought about how fortunate that we are during these times - matters such as these have been resolved. However, during the time it was happening, it must have been somewhat tumultuous in many ways. We do have our own challenges during these times, and, as in the early Church, the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us. May we be open to this inspiration.