(Optional Memorial for Saint Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr)
(Optional Memorial for Saint Louis Mary de Montfort, Priest)
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“St. James the Lesser” by El Greco, 1610-1614
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Commentary:
Reading 1: Acts 15:7-21
Commentary on Acts 15:7-21
The debate over whether the Gentiles must follow all of the Law of Moses continues, as St. Paul has brought a volatile topic to the Apostles in Jerusalem. Supported by St. Peter, he has made the fundamental argument that all are invited to be saved through faith in Christ. The “yoke” Peter speaks of is a reference to the “Yoke of the Torah” or the “Kingdom of Heaven,” not necessarily a burden but a goal.
The response of St. James the Lesser (the same James related in Galatians 2:1-10 presiding over the Council of Jerusalem) cites Amos 9: 11-12 and makes an apostolic decree. He minimizes the Hebrew Laws the Gentles must follow, binding them to Leviticus 17:7-9 [false idols] and Leviticus 17:10ff [dietary rules]. St. Luke here apparently combines two distinct events; the First Jerusalem Council which deals with circumcision and the second which deals with dietary laws.
CCC: Acts 15:10 578
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10
R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10
This selection from Psalm 96 is a song of praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 96 is a Royal Psalm). It is used in conjunction with the theme of unity, announcing God’s salvation to all peoples of all lands.
CCC: Ps 96:2 2143
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Gospel: John 15:9-11
Commentary on Jn 15:9-11
The discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples continues. Jesus’ words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of his departure. In this passage Jesus focuses on the chain of love from the Father, through the Son, to his followers. In the concluding statement (v.11), Jesus expresses the means by which the peace he offers is accomplished, through the unity of faith and trust in God's only Begotten Son.
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Homily:
If you were asked to do one of those word association tests where you say the first thing that comes to mind when one word was said, and the word you were given was “love,” what would come to mind? If what came to mind were words that had similar meanings, you might have come up with: “passion, piety, rapture, adoration, or respect.” If you associated love with a common phrase, you might have thought of “marriage,” and if you thought about opposites you may have come up with “hate.”
In the Gospel, when Jesus, tells the disciples, “…keep my commandments,” he speaks specifically of the only commandment he has personally given them: love God and love one another. He makes it clear that this is the path to his peace, the peace he has wished them, the peace he wishes us. The Lord sees clearly what happens to people who cannot live this commandment of his. How can one find peace if hatred is in their heart? If one embraces hate, it becomes like a cancer eating away the soul. In hatred there is only sorrow, there can be no joy. And the only remedy for hatred is forgiveness from the heart.
In this very short Gospel, Jesus sums up all he has tried to teach his friends about God’s mission in the world. It is the very reason Jesus had to come to us, to show us that God was love itself, not some vengeful judge who visited death and destruction on his enemies. Jesus speaks to his friends and to us, making it clear that, to find the path the God, all we need to do is replace all of the ignoble feelings of hate, lust, and greed with one feeling and one purpose, love for one another.
It is his commandment to us and in following it we find peace and eternal life.
Pax
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