One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

Mass Readings: April 23

First:	Acts 15:1-6
Resp:	Psalm 122:1-5
Gospel:	John 15:1-8

Acts 15:6 The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

It is interesting that the churches that had an issue regarding the adherence to the Mosaic law were under the authority of the Apostles and presbyters.  What you don't see here is the "congregational" model where the people vote on an issue and decide, and if some don't like it they go to a different church. At this point you still see a respect for the Apostolic Church.

Often our own agendas and issues become more important to us than our faith in Christ.  Jesus says that if we ask believing, the Father will grant us what we ask.  But what does it mean to believe?  It means that we trust in God through the church, the body of Christ.  Today, however we have so confused the issue that it is hard to know what the church is.  But the promise and the command of Christ is still real for us.  Jesus says that kingdoms will come and go, but His Words will never pass away.  So in spite of whatever confusion we have regarding the church, we are still obligated to be obedient to the word of God.  We are still called to trust in Christ and believe that we will get what we ask for.  The question is what are we asking for?  Is it true unity in faith, or do we like the pharisees want everybody to see it our way?

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to be obedient to your perfect and everlasting word.  Help me in times of confusion and struggle to continue to trust and follow you.  Help me to believe that whatever I ask, believing , you will answer me.  Help me to not get caught up in my own agendas but to look for and be open to yours.

Amen