In today’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (15:1-2, 22-29), some early Christians were teaching that non-Jewish converts had to follow the old Jewish law to be saved. This included circumcision, and it was causing confusion and division. So the Apostles and the elders gathered in Jerusalem to settle the matter. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they taught clearly and firmly that salvation comes through JESUS Christ and not through the old law. They sent a letter saying, “It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements”, which included the duty to abstain from meat sacrificed to pagan idols, and to refrain from sexual immorality.

This gathering known as the Council of Jerusalem has served as the model of all Church Councils since, right up until the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. It shows how the Church settles important matters – not only through debate, but through prayer, unity and authority. St Peter, the first Pope, led the Council, speaking with the authority Christ gave him. And this episode shows that the Church is built on Peter the rock, and remains united through the office of the Pope. In other words, the Church was Catholic from the word go! It also reminds us that true Church Councils always remain faithful to what the Apostles taught. The Church does not and cannot invent new teachings to please the world. She protects and hands on the truth Christ gave her.

On Thursday this week we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven, which took place forty days after His Resurrection. JESUS ascended into Heaven with His resurrected, glorified human body where He now reigns in glory as King at the right hand of the Father. From there He guides the Church and prepares a place for us. The modern world has completely forgotten about Christ’s Kingship and no longer sees Him as Lord of all nations. Many today want a religion that fits their lives and makes no demands. But the Apostles, responding to Our Lord’s command to “teach all nations”, went into the world and preached that there is one Saviour, one truth and one Church, and that God desires everyone to be baptised and be a member of that Church (Matthew 28:19).

Our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, in his first homily in the Sistine Chapel on 9^th May, highlighted that in today’s world, faith is often dismissed as irrational or outdated, and that we as believers may face opposition and mockery. However, this must not deter us from sharing the Gospel. He tells us to bear joyful witness, proclaiming Christ not through fear or aggression, but with the joy of knowing JESUS, showing that faith is not a burden, but a source of life and hope. Let us be those believers and Our Lord’s witnesses.

Fr Paul Gillham, IC