23/05/2025

In a way we can say that today's reading from the Acts marks the formal beginning of the Church as an institution, a fellowship of believers in the Resurrection, secure in the Holy Spirit. 

There is an issue raised. It is discussed by the "Portico of Solomon" representing believers in the Resurrection and an answer is sent to Antioch where it will be again discussed and also implemented.

 Although it no longer exists except in this report in the Acts, the letter carried to Antioch by Barnabas and Paul is an answer to the question "Does the Law of Moses apply to all followers of "The Way?" and the James' dictum is accepted as the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I suppose that the undoubted "Synodality" of the decision and that it was James who signed the "decretal" caused problems for St Peter's understanding of his appointed role as "Rock" on which the faith of the world was to rely for leadership. We do know that very many good men could not accept the decision and preached against it and against its supporters.

John's Gospel is taken from the final teaching of Jesus to those at table with him in the Upper Room. He makes no mention of "decretals" or hierarchies. He is summing up the purpose he  (IAMFATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT) had in the Incarnation. John remembers that Peter knew that he,  John, was somehow "different" from his fellow Apostles and receives Jesus' enigmatical reply "What is that to you?" when he points this out to Jesus "What of this man?"

Jesus' total life is a demonstration of the Love that he commands us to have for each other. My life has to be lived not for myself. We all have to strive to put our self-love behind us "get thou behind me Satan". We have to remember that St Peter was forgiven for the greatest act of treachery ever perpetrated by man but that it was the three Marys and John who received the corpse from the Cross.

The final events of the human life of Jesus were a living memory for many of those who sought out "the way" in the early Church. It is to follow them in knowing, loving and serving that I am still alive. 

Lord help me to live righteously.