Patriarch of Alexandria and church father.
Born about 295. Died 2 May 373.
Fighter of Arianism
Invitation
May I hereby draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel?
This invitation wishes to share with you the joy
of the Gospel. Everyone, no one excepted,
can experience that joy by opening their hearts
to the healing power of God’s word.
Available every day.
Consideration
We see that two parties are facing each other and the discussion is fierce. The positions are indeed extreme. Then authority speaks. Not just to decide but to bring the parties, who are listening silent, together. Peter refers to his own experience with Cornelius. God himself pointed the direction. Is it possible to oppose God? Then James, the stern apostle, speaks. He points in the direction of a very acceptable compromise: no unnecessary burdens. Thus all come to an agreement.
First Reading Acts 15, 7-21
I am of the opinion that those who are converted from paganism
convert to God should not impose unnecessary burdens.
From the Acts of the Apostles
In those days, after much talk back and forth
about circumcision, Peter took the floor
and spoke to the apostles and elders:
“Men brothers,
ye know that long ago God chose me among you,
that through my mouth the Gentiles
would hear the gospel word
and accept faith.
Well,
God who knows hearts ,
has spoken out for them
by communicating to them the Holy Spirit,
just as to us,
and He has in no way
distinguished between us and them,
but cleansed their hearts by faith.
Why then wilt thou now defy God
by putting a yoke upon the disciples,
which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
On the contrary,
like them, we too believe
to be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus.”
The whole assembly was silent,
and they listened to Barnabas and Paul,
who told of the great miraculous signs
which God had done through them among the Gentiles.
When they had finished speaking
James took the floor and spoke:
“Men brothers ,
listen to me.
Simon has explained to us,
how God once looked down graciously
and chose a people from among the Gentiles.
To this the words of the prophets correspond,
as it is written:
Then I will return
and rebuild the ruined house of David.
Yes, his ruins I will rebuild
And I will restore them completely,
that the rest of the people may seek the Lord
together with all the Gentiles,
over whom My Name has been proclaimed.
Thus speaks the Lord who does these things:
From eternity they have been known.
Therefore it is my opinion
That one should not impose unnecessary burdens
on those who convert to God from paganism,
but should prescribe to them
to abstain from what is tainted by idols,
from fornication,
from what is stifled and from blood.
For from time immemorial Moses has had people in every city
who read to him on Sabbath in the synagogue
and preach.”
Interludium Ps. 96(95), 1-2a, 2b-3, 10
Report to the nations the glory of the Lord.
Alleluia
Sing to the Lord a new song,
sing to the Lord, all nations.
Sing to the Lord and glorify his Name.
Proclaim his salvation all the days.
Report to the nations his glory,
His wondrous deeds to all nations.
Say to one another: the Lord reigns!
Unwaveringly He created the earth,
governed the nations with equity.
Alleluia Lk. 24,46
Alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and die
and rise from the dead,
and thus enter into His glory.
Alleluia.
Gospel John 15,9-11
Abide in my love that your joy may become complete.
From the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father has loved Me
so I also have loved you.
Abide in my love.
If ye keep my commandments
ye shall abide in my love,
as I,
who have kept my Father’s commandments,
abide in his love.
This I say unto you
That my joy may be in you
and your joy may become perfect.”
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APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION LAUDATE DEUM
FROM THE HOLY FATHER
POPE FRANCISCUS
TO ALL PEOPLE
OF GOOD WILL
26. This rules out the idea that man is an outsider, an alien element that can only
can only harm the environment. Man must be seen as part of
nature. Human life, intelligence and freedom are elements of nature
that enrich our planet, and are part of its internal functioning and balance.
To be continued
The Bible text in this issue is taken from The New Bible Translation,
©Dutch Bible Society 2004/2007.
Considerations from Liturgical suggestions for weekdays and Sundays
Laudato Deum Official English translation
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