The First Ecumenical Council of the Church
Acts 15: 1-6; Jn 15: 1-8
Just last year we celebrated the 50th year of the opening of the Vatican Council II, an ecumenical council that has revolutionised the Church of late. Today we have the account of the first ever ecumenical council held: the Council of Jerusalem! It stands as a wonderful Christian model of handling crisis and confusion: getting together in brotherly dialogue and faithful communion.
The Community of faith gives us a splendid possibility of remaining united as branches to the one Vine, Jesus. Today, when crisis and confusion arise, how many human methodologies we follow to handle them: writing anonymous letters, spreading calumny about others, raising unchristian slogans and following uncharitable actions. Is it truly a 'Christ'ian way of approaching problem? What are we aiming at? Establishing our ego? Gaining our political mileage? Division among us is the worst scandal we can give to the World.
Let us be united with the one Vine, nourish ourselves from that vine, be filled with the sap from that vine and give fruits worthy of that vine. Or else, we will have to be pruned and charred!