My Dearly Beloved in Christ;

Whenever we read the about the beginnings of the Church and the life of the early Jewish Christians, especially as contained in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2:42 – 47, we cannot but admire the mutual love, unity and fraternity that existed among them. They lived a communal life that bound them together in body, mind, soul and spirit. This exemplary living won them the admiration of many people especially the gentiles (non-Jews) who eventually joined them and increased their numbers. However, their lives at that early beginning of the Church was not without the controversies and disagreements that could be found among people.

As more gentiles became believers and joined the growing Christian community, the question arose among the Jewish Christians over whether these Gentiles needed to be circumcised to be saved, that is; does a non-Jewish Christian have to adhere to the practices of Judaism? Does a gentile have to become a Jew before he or she could become a Christian? These were enormous questions with profound implications that generated a controversy among the early Christian community and threatened their unity.

To deal with this controversy, the Apostles and other Church leaders convoked what we may call the first Council of the Church around the year 50 A.D; the Council of Jerusalem (though it is not usually counted as an ecumenical council). It is part of the deliberations and conclusions of the Council that we read in today’s first reading as contained in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15.

At the Council, Peter makes a doctrinal pronouncement concerning the controversy surrounding the circumcision of gentiles and James deals with the practical concerns. James recommended that, rather than making things hard for the gentile converts by demanding adherence to all Jewish rituals, they will only require them to do four things: abstain from food offered to idols, abstain from sexual immorality (which is associated with pagan religious festivals and infidelity to God), abstain from the meat of strangled animals (in which blood remain), and abstain from eating blood (Acts 15:29).

By and large, the way in which the early Church (especially its leadership) responded to this controversy that threatened its peace and existence leaves us with great lessons to ponder. James who was a prominent Church leader had the grace and humility to concede to the point made and submitted to the Magisterium (the Church’s Teaching Authority) under the leadership of Peter the first Pope. This gesture underscores the importance of respecting leadership. It also saved the Church from a possible schism that could have split the Church into innumerable factions.

Furthermore, the decision of the Church leadership as headed by Peter, to involve God in the decision-making process of the early Church (Acts. 15:28) demonstrates the importance of discerning God’s will through prayer, scripture and the Holy Spirit. It also teaches us to always seek the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives, especially when controversies, disagreements and misunderstandings threaten to disrupt the peace and harmony that exists in homes, societies and communities.

While giving his speech at the General Audience of 23rd October 2019 in Rome, the late Pontiff; Pope Francis referenced the events of the Council of Jerusalem and affirmed the necessity of attentive listening to others as a way of resolving conflicts among Christians. He said, “The Assembly of Jerusalem sheds important light on the way to face differences and to seek the ‘truth in love’ (Eph 4:15). It reminds us that the ecclesial method for resolving conflict is based on dialogue made of careful and patient listening and on discernment undertaken in the light of the Spirit. Indeed, it is the Spirit who helps to overcome closure and tensions and works within hearts so that they may achieve unity in truth and goodness.” Let love lead!

Peace be with you!

-Fr. Samuel Aliba

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