Dear People of God,
May the Lord give you peace and blessings. It is 21st May 2025.
We reflect on Acts 15:1-6; and the Gospel from John 15:1-8.
St. Christopher Magallanes, martyr and faithful priest: “I die innocent, and ask God that my blood may serve to unite my Mexican brethren.”
The first reading welcomes Paul and Barnabas as they return from their first missionary journey. Upon their arrival, they were confronted with a pressing issue: Should non-Jews be circumcised in order to receive salvation and become Christians?
This sparked a deep discussion about Christian freedom. Paul insisted that it is not enough to change outward appearances—what truly matters is the transformation of the heart. In the end, it was discerned that circumcision was not necessary for salvation.
God desires clean hearts, just as we desire our outer garments to be neat and presentable. The heart is the wellspring of our being, and its purity is the true beauty of the soul.
The responsorial psalm joyfully proclaims,
“I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’” (Psalm 122:1)
The Gospel teaches us that our fruitfulness depends entirely on our connection to God, often expressed through our relationships with others. The image of the vine and the branches reveals the vital necessity of remaining in Christ. Just as branches must be pruned to bear fruit, so must our lives be trimmed of selfishness, pride, and sin.
Life, love, and growth flow when we are fully attached to Jesus. He is our life-source. When we willingly cooperate with the Risen Lord, allowing Him to prune away the parasites of our soul, we become truly fruitful.
“If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)
May the Lord bless us today with the grace to remain rooted in Him and to bear lasting fruit through His Word.
May the Lord bless us to be fruitful in all we do and say through the Words of God. Have a good day.