LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST IS A DEAD END (HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER17TH MAY 2022

LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST IS A DEAD END 

CHURCH: THE MODEL OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Acts 15:1-6; Jn 15:1-8

In today's liturgy of the word from Acts 15:1-6 a great controversy arose in the early Christian community between the Jewish Christians on the one hand and  Paul and Barnabas on the other hand, on whether the Gentile Christians must conform to the law of Moses in other to be saved. We are told that “certain individuals came down from Judea (to Antioch) and were teaching the brothers, ‘unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1) and in Jerusalem “ some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said ‘ it is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5). This debate was birthed on the grounds of the significance of circumcision and the law of Moses to the Jews. For them, in Judaism, these are unchangeable and irreplaceable laws and traditions that guarantee salvation and any attempt to change it is considered treasonable felony. For many Jews, Christianity is simply an advanced Judaism so much so that the basics of Judaism can not be transgressed.

However, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, very significant is how the early Christian community went about circumventing her crisis. We are told that they collectively went up to the church in Jerusalem to discuss the problem with the apostles and elders. They didn't take the laws into their hands, rather they recognized the hierarchical nature of the church, thus, left the matter in the hands of the apostles and elders to adjudicate. Friends in Christ, even though the church is Charismatic, it is considerably and structurally hierarchical. Thus, the authentic interpretation of the deposit of faith belongs to the teaching office of the magisterium. At moments of controversy, it is improper to presume that our version of the argument is the final verdict without recourse to the authority of the church or to angrily desert the church simply because our positions were counteracted by the reputable authorities of the church.  Let us like the early Christian community submit our contentions always to the presiding office of the magisterium for authentic interpretation.

In the gospel reading of today Jesus tells us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (Jn 15:1) “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me with me in him bears fruit in plenty; for cut away from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Beloved in Christ, life without Christ is a dead end. A Christian that disassociates himself from Christ will be like a fruitless branch cut off from the tree, that withers and is destined to be burnt.  The primal purpose of every Christian life is to bear fruits; fruits of holiness, love and charity. By so doing it remains evident that we truthfully abide in Jesus and his words abide in us (Jn 15:7).

As we begin our daily activities today, may God be glorified in our lives as we set out to bear much fruits and become his authentic disciples through Christ our Lord. Amen

Have a fruitful day

Fr Remi osj