Acts 9: 26-31 ; Ps 21(22):26-28,30-32 ; 1 John 3: 18-24 ; John 15: 1-8
Much has happened in Acts since last Sunday’s reading: Peter and some apostles have been imprisoned and beaten before being set free again. Seven Greeks were appointed to look after the Hellenists – apparently Greek-speaking Christians. Stephen was arrested and his speech to the Jewish leaders suggests that the Hellenists were persecuted by the Jews because they did not join in the Temple worship. They were driven out to Judea and Samaria – and so the Gospel began to spread.
Today we hear how Paul returns from his conversion near Damascus. He is accepted by the Hebrew Christians, but not by the Hellenists, so has to be hustled out of town.
The ending of this Messianic psalm, uttered by Our Lord on the Cross, rejoices in the triumph of God’s justice: God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in Jesus.
In his first Letter John insists that we must show our faith by our actions: keeping God’s commandments. We can be sure we are doing right if we obey our conscience guided by God’s Spirit dwelling in us.
In John’s gospel Jesus gives his disciples detailed teaching at the last supper, just before his arrest. We must be bound closely to Christ: He is the vine, we are the branches, gaining sustenance and support from him.
Psalm Response: You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.
(Acts 9: 26-31 ; Ps 21(22):26-28,30-32 ; 1 John 3: 18-24 ; John 15: 1-8)