11/05/2023

Today, in the Acts, we see the "discussions" in Jerusalem concluding with a summary made by Peter, the leader chosen by Jesus, and justified from Scripture by James, who as one of Jesus' "brothers" in the extended family of Mary and Joseph, shared in some of the Charisma of the Risen Lord. James it is who speaks with authority and proclaims his intention to prepare a letter stating the ruling of this Council of Apostles, Priests, Scribes and all "Friends of God" held in Jerusalem, to all the Pagans who were welcoming the Light of Christ into their lives.

The details of the discussion were not "minuted" but must have been, at times heated, as, for the Pharisees, living by the Law meant that life was a ritual with the letter having to be applied meticulously. They shared the Resurrection and Parousia  Faith of the early Church but their old Jewish certainties which had already been shaken by the "Wandering Prophet" of Galilee even before the Resurrection were, as they saw it, still being questioned and rapidly dismantled. They knew that they were Jews the only People to have direct contact with God through Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob their ancestors who had "seen" God.

It is not surprising that some of them went shamefacedly  away as they had done when challenged by Jesus to be the sinless one to cast the first stone at the woman taken in adultery. The families of Christians who also followed the Law of Moses probably died out with the fall of the Temple. As for the "requirements" made of Pagans the only ones that were not already part of the teaching of the Apostles were the rules for slaughtering animals.

Dear Lord, the way that we have to follow during our lives to do your will has been confirmed by Jesus who is the completion of your Law. We have been forgiven and have lost the straightjacket of the Law as known by your Countrymen. I pray for grace to avoid sin not out of pride but out of a sincere love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and understanding of my Mission to know, love and serve. May your Mother lead all her children to eventually become immaculate as she and thus participate in the Divine Life that is the finality of eternity, a joy which surpasses all creation and can be ours only by the grace of God.