Love and Law

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today enlighten our understanding of the relationship between Law and Love in our mission as disciples of Christ.

Life and the Law

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the tension between Gentile Christians and Mosaic Law.

* [15:1–35] The Jerusalem “Council” marks the official rejection of the rigid view that Gentile converts were obliged to observe the Mosaic law completely. From here to the end of Acts, Paul and the Gentile mission become the focus of Luke’s writing.

* [15:7–11] Paul’s refusal to impose the Mosaic law on the Gentile Christians is supported by Peter on the ground that within his own experience God bestowed the holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household without preconditions concerning the adoption of the Mosaic law (see Acts 10:44–47).

* [15:11] In support of Paul, Peter formulates the fundamental meaning of the gospel: that all are invited to be saved through faith in the power of Christ.

* [15:13–35] Some scholars think that this apostolic decree suggested by James, the immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, derives from another historical occasion than the meeting in question. This seems to be the case if the meeting is the same as the one related in Gal 2:1–10. According to that account, nothing was imposed upon Gentile Christians in respect to Mosaic law; whereas the decree instructs Gentile Christians of mixed communities to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols and from blood-meats, and to avoid marriage within forbidden degrees of consanguinity and affinity (Lv 18), all of which practices were especially abhorrent to Jews. Luke seems to have telescoped two originally independent incidents here: the first a Jerusalem “Council” that dealt with the question of circumcision, and the second a Jerusalem decree dealing mainly with Gentile observance of dietary laws (see Acts 21:25 where Paul seems to be learning of the decree for the first time).

* [15:14] Symeon: elsewhere in Acts he is called either Peter or Simon. The presence of the name Symeon here suggests that, in the source Luke is using for this part of the Jerusalem “Council” incident, the name may have originally referred to someone other than Peter (see Acts 13:1 where the Antiochene Symeon Niger is mentioned). As the text now stands, however, it is undoubtedly a reference to Simon Peter (Acts 15:7). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 praises the glories of Israel’s God.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John, presents the discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples.

* [15:1–16:4] Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of the departure of Jesus.

Kimberly Grassmeyer comments on the Gospel that here, John recounts Jesus telling his disciples, after having risen from death to fulfill the promise of the resurrection, to “Remain in my Love”.

Can you take a moment to visualize the Christ of your heart?  How powerful and joyful it is to put ourselves among the disciples, to see and feel him telling us that his joy is complete because of us!  Telling us that he loves us as God loves him.  And then asking - in fact, commanding - us to remain in his love.  I want to!  I’m smiling in peace, love and joy, and my heart is full at the vision of being so beloved.  I pray the same for you, also. Amen. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Joy in rejoicing over us,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"And what else is Christ's joy in us except that he is pleased to rejoice over us? And what is this joy of ours that he says is to be made full, but our having fellowship with him?... His joy, therefore, in us is the grace he has bestowed on us, and that is also our joy. But he rejoiced over this joy even from eternity when he chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Nor can we rightly say that his joy was not full. For God's joy was never at any time imperfect. But that joy of his was not in us. For we, in whom that joy could exist, had as yet no existence. And even when our existence commenced, it began not to be in him. But in him it always was, who in the infallible truth of his own foreknowledge rejoiced that we should yet be his own. Accordingly, he had a joy over us that was already full when he rejoiced in foreknowing and foreordaining us. And there could hardly be any fear intermingling in that joy of his that might imply a possible failure in what he foreknew would be done by himself." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 83.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 15:7-21 comments that, with the Spirit’s help, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James came to realize that this gift of the Spirit was the fulfillment of God’s purposes in the Law.  The Lord was reaching out to anyone who turned to him, Jew and Gentile alike!

God is still at work today “acquiring . . . a people for his name” (Acts 15:14). He is still building a Church composed of people from every nation and background and culture. And he wants you to join him in his mission. So how can you extend his gracious invitation to the people around you, especially to those who are different from you? Is it through hospitality? Intercession? Opening the path to reconciliation? The overwhelming grace of the Lord Jesus continues to flow outward, so give away the gift that you have been given! (Meditation on Acts 15:7-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the continuation of the Council of Jerusalem to decide the future of Gentile Christians. This echoes the belief that God would even call the Gentiles when he restored Israel. The requirements to not participate in unlawful marriage or eat the blood of animals cite additional rules. In Galatians, Paul cites requirements are different from martial fidelity and dietary prohibitions. The requirements in 1 Corinthians were written earlier than Luke’s requirements in Acts. Friar Jude comments that Paul represents what actually happened and Luke describes what happened in the meantime. We attend to the commandments to participate in the Love of Christ and share His Joy, based on the sense of living and thriving in Love.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley who celebrates Bernard of Clairvaux’s emphasis on love.

Bernard of Clairvaux recognized that there’s fraternal love, our love for our siblings. There’s the love of parents for their children, and the love of children for their parents. God also gives us love for our friends. But nuptial love is unique in that two people freely choose to give themselves to each other completely: to support each other, to be there for each other, and to be with each other. So, their sexual union is a physical, somatic celebration of the love in which they give and receive.

Arise my love, my fair one,
  and come away.
O my dove, in the clefts of rocks,
  in the covert of the cliff,
let me see your face;
  let me hear your voice,
for your voice is sweet
  and your face is lovely….

My beloved is mine, and I am his. (Song of Songs 2:13–14, 16)

You can see why Bernard saw nuptial love, portrayed in the Song of Songs, as the supreme love. It’s like when spouses love and give themselves to each other—the infinite love of God infinitely gives God’s self to us. Nuptial mysticism is like being married to God. God wants us to be married to God in this kiss, this ultimate, sovereign, and supreme love. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit as we contemplate action that respects the Law and delivers Love.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15? 

Grassmeyer, K. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-7-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?9 

Meditation on Acts 15:7-21. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/07/1559930/ 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). I Am My Beloved’s. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/i-am-my-beloveds/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Abide in My Love. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Connected for Bountiful Harvest

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, of the USCCB, today challenge us to assess our connection to the vine of Christ and the nature of the fruit we produce to be a harvest of love.

Looking for Fruit on the Vine

In Canada, the texts chosen by CCCB are for the Memorial of  St. François de Laval

Reading: no. 722(12), p. 804:  2 Timothy 4.1-5

Gospel: no. 724(10), p. 813: John 10. 11-16 (Memorial of St. François De Laval, n.d.)

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the Council of Jerusalem.

* [15:1–35] The Jerusalem “Council” marks the official rejection of the rigid view that Gentile converts were obliged to observe the Mosaic law completely. From here to the end of Acts, Paul and the Gentile mission become the focus of Luke’s writing.

* [15:1–5] When some of the converted Pharisees of Jerusalem discover the results of the first missionary journey of Paul, they urge that the Gentiles be taught to follow the Mosaic law. Recognizing the authority of the Jerusalem church, Paul and Barnabas go there to settle the question of whether Gentiles can embrace a form of Christianity that does not include this obligation. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 122 is sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem.

* [Psalm 122] A song of Zion, sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem three times on a journey. The singer anticipates joining the procession into the city (Ps 122:1–3). Jerusalem is a place of encounter, where the people praise God (Ps 122:4) and hear the divine justice mediated by the king (Ps 122:5). The very buildings bespeak God’s power (cf. Ps 48:13–15). May the grace of this place transform the people’s lives (Ps 122:6–9)! (Psalms, PSALM 122 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus discourse on The Vine and the Branches.

* [15:1–16:4] Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of the departure of Jesus.

* [15:1–17] Like Jn 10:1–5, this passage resembles a parable. Israel is spoken of as a vineyard at Is 5:1–7; Mt 21:33–46 and as a vine at Ps 80:9–17; Jer 2:21; Ez 15:2; 17:5–10; 19:10; Hos 10:1. The identification of the vine as the Son of Man in Ps 80:15 and Wisdom’s description of herself as a vine in Sir 24:17 are further background for portrayal of Jesus by this figure. There may be secondary eucharistic symbolism here; cf. Mk 14:25, “the fruit of the vine.”

* [15:2] Takes away, prunes: in Greek there is a play on two related verbs.

* [15:6] Branches were cut off and dried on the wall of the vineyard for later use as fuel. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Cindy Costanzo comments that vineyards and gardens are both beautiful analogies for faith and belief in God. Just as a vineyard and a garden needs to be cared for so does our faith life.

Vines as well as flowers have delicate root systems that grow in strength with the right nutrients, water, and sun. Similarly, our faith is delicate and requires nurturing to gain depth and strength. The right nutrients may include regular faith sharing with a church community, family, and/or friends. Perhaps daily quiet time with God to read, reflect, and journal. 

Vineyards and gardens mature each year, and their yields are increasingly robust and richer.  Similarly, when we spend time nurturing our faith it grows stronger and is more influential. 

The scripture reading today communicates how God is always present, his love is deep and abiding as is his commitment to nurture and guide us through life. Vineyards and gardens provide time to enjoy nature’s silence, to listen to an inner voice that may be God communicating perhaps sharing a simple message of love stating  “ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you”……

I in turn count the many blessings in my life that are gifts from God…especially the vineyards/gardens within my life. (Costanzo, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Cleansed by Jesus' word,” by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"So the world - life enslaved by carnal passions - can no more receive the grace of the Spirit than a weak eye can look at the light of a sunbeam. First the Lord cleansed his disciples' lives through his teaching, and then he gave them the ability to both see and contemplate the Spirit. He says, 'You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you' (John 15:3). Therefore 'the world cannot receive him, because it neither sees him nor knows him... You know him, for he dwells with you' (John 14:17). Isaiah says, 'He who settled the earth and the things in it; and gives breath to the people on it, and Spirit to them that tread on it' (Isaiah 42:5). From this we can learn that those who trample earthly things and rise above them become worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (excerpt from ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 22.53) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:1-8 comments that Jesus once said that his true family are those who “hear the word of God and act on it” (Luke 8:21). That one sentence captures Mary’s whole life! In spite of the intense suffering she experienced, she remained in her son by keeping her thoughts and the meditations of her heart fixed on the words, the promises, and the clear signs she had received.

Take some time to reflect on the words of today’s Gospel, or on a time you heard the Lord speaking to you. Maybe it was through a Scripture passage, a homily, or the words of a wise friend. Jesus is the vine—your loving, caring, ever-nourishing vine. As you reflect on his words, you will remain in him, and you will bear fruit. Even when suffering comes, as it did for Mary, you will be able to continue remaining in Jesus and bearing the fruit of peace and love in this world.

“Lord, I choose to remain in you today.” (Meditation on John 15:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments the Acts passage Paul and Barnabas are preaching and they receive many converts some of whom are Gentile. The Religious Authorities in Jerusalem are concerned that the converts follow Jewish dietary law and feasts as they were actually converts to Judaism who were following Jesus. In Galatians, Paul is in charge but here, in Acts, Peter and James are in charge. The Gospel of John declares we produce fruit attached to the vine. Wild branches without fruit are cut off. Friar Jude notes this is not a threat but a warning that we may survive our lives, but never really live it, if we are not connected to Christ.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Stephanie Paulsell who considers how praying with the Song of Songs can help us discover “good news”.

The Song offers us a way of reading that is also a way of receiving the world, a way that leads to prayer. By inviting us into the dialogue of the two lovers, we are encouraged to read as they love—lingering in the presence of the beloved, admiring the beloved’s beauty and grace, and adoring both what can be seen and known and spoken of, and what is beyond our sight, beyond our ability to know or describe. In a world marked by speed and overwhelmed by information, the Song offers us a space beneath the pine branches and cedar boughs to read slowly, admiringly, meditatively…. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to choose the nurture of Christ as the food for fullness of life that will produce fruit in the Garden of the Lord.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?1 

Costanzo, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-6-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?1 

Meditation on John 15:1-8. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/06/1559705/ 

Memorial of St. François de Laval. (n.d.). Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://www.cccb.ca/ 

Psalms, PSALM 122 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/122? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Book of Devotion. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-book-of-devotion/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Abide in Me, and I in You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shalom and Society

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be ambassadors of Christ by living with the “peace” that comes from the Spirit and guides our efforts to build a society in the New Jerusalem.

Way to the New Jerusalem

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles shares the development of the Letter of the Apostles in the Council of Jerusalem.

* [15:13–35] Some scholars think that this apostolic decree suggested by James, the immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, derives from another historical occasion than the meeting in question. This seems to be the case if the meeting is the same as the one related in Gal 2:1–10. According to that account, nothing was imposed upon Gentile Christians in respect to Mosaic law; whereas the decree instructs Gentile Christians of mixed communities to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols and from blood-meats, and to avoid marriage within forbidden degrees of consanguinity and affinity (Lv 18), all of which practices were especially abhorrent to Jews. Luke seems to have telescoped two originally independent incidents here: the first a Jerusalem “Council” that dealt with the question of circumcision, and the second a Jerusalem decree dealing mainly with Gentile observance of dietary laws (see Acts 21:25 where Paul seems to be learning of the decree for the first time). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 67 is a petition for a bountiful harvest.

* [Psalm 67] A petition for a bountiful harvest (Ps 67:7), made in the awareness that Israel’s prosperity will persuade the nations to worship its God.

* [67:2] May God be gracious to us: the people’s petition echoes the blessing pronounced upon them by the priests, cf. Nm 6:22–27. (Psalms, PSALM 67 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Book of Revelation presents a vision of God’s eternal kingdom in heaven under the symbols of a new heaven and a new earth.

* [21:9–22:5] Symbolic descriptions of the new Jerusalem, the church. Most of the images are borrowed from Ez 40–48.

* [21:9] The bride, the wife of the Lamb: the church (Rev 21:2), the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:10); cf. 2 Cor 11:2.

* [21:14] Courses of stones,apostles: literally, “twelve foundations”; cf. Eph 2:19–20. (Revelation, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises “shalom” as a blessing from The Advocate.

* [14:27] Peace: the traditional Hebrew salutation šālôm; but Jesus’ “Shalom” is a gift of salvation, connoting the bounty of messianic blessing.

* [14:28] The Father is greater than I: because he sent, gave, etc., and Jesus is “a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God” (Jn 8:40). (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Gillick, S.J. shares that what he worries most about in this area is how we can listen to any scripture, hear any homily, read any book and interpret something where we are challenged to do more, believe more, act more, be more. Always the “more” which then becomes the center of what we can easily call the Spiritual Life. He fears it can more easily become the center of our “Egoality”. The main result for our spirits is that we are not enough and so feel spiritually inadequate and inferior.

Jesus, the Incarnation of the Loving Creative God, does not challenge, but invites, encourages and sends the Advocate to continue God’s on-going creational love in our lives. God does the laboring within us and around us. If we are to feel better about ourselves, it will be as a result of our allowing ourselves to be poor enough to be enriched, met, encouraged and improved, by our having been met in the simplicity of our true selfs.

The result of all this then is listening to the words “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” “Peace I give to you; Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” God gives it, we do not earn it! This is an insult to our egos and good for God! As with the grass, flowers and trees, we grow interiorly first and then Easter all over the place. (Gillick, 2025)

 

Don Schwager quotes “God is pleased to dwell in us,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"God is not too grand to come, he is not too fussy or shy, he is not too proud - on the contrary he is pleased to come if you do not displease him. Listen to the promise he makes. Listen to him indeed promising with pleasure, not threatening in displeasure, "We shall come to him," he says, "I and the Father." To the one he had earlier called his friend, the one who obeys his precepts, the keeper of his commandment, the lover of God, the lover of his neighbor, he says, "We shall come to him and make our abode with him." (excerpt from Sermon 23,6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:23-29 comments that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, . . . will teach you everything (John 14:26). Jesus taught his followers many things that the Gospels record, but he wants to continue speaking to our minds and hearts. That’s why he sent us the Holy Spirit. He will lead us and guide us in every situation we face.

“My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples will face persecution and even martyrdom. But despite these trials, Jesus’ peace will remain with them. They will know a wholeness and tranquility that can only come from the Lord. This is his gift to us as well.

How have you seen these promises fulfilled in your walk with the Lord? Think of all the times you have felt his presence in your heart. Recall when the Holy Spirit helped you understand more about the Lord or guided you in a specific way. Remember how God’s peace descended on you in a hectic or difficult time.

God always fulfills his promises. So wherever you find yourself today, believe what Jesus has “told you” (John 14:25, 29). Then look for how he is working in your life, just as he said he would!

“Jesus, help me to trust in your promises!” (Meditation on John 14:23-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that passage in Acts tells of Paul and Barnabas visit to Jerusalem and consultation with the apostles. The requirements placed on the Gentiles differ from the message in Galatians. The obligation on meat and refraining from sexual immorality is seen in 1 Corinthians in 80’s CE. It was written into Acts but was a later decision. The passage from Revelations describes the Holy city Jerusalem and heaven as a society not “you and me Jesus”. Friar Jude reminds us that the John 14 passage from Last Supper discourse describes the  Paraclete as an ambiguous counselor, advocate, and teacher and reminds us the Spirit will continue the instruction. Jesus leaves the community with “shalom” indicating whatever happens will be the will of God and we should feel a sense of joy in the will of the Father. 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes this week’s meditations focus on the shadow self, a recurring theme in his work. His understanding of the shadow comes primarily from Swiss psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961). 

Our self-image is not substantial or lasting; it’s simply created out of our own mind, desire, and choice—and everybody else’s preferences for us! It’s not objective at all but entirely subjective (which does not mean that it doesn’t have real influence). The movement to second-half-of-life wisdom has much to do with necessary shadow work and the emergence of healthy self-critical thinking. These alone allow us to see beyond our own shadow and disguise and to find who we are, “hidden with Christ in God,” as Paul puts it (Colossians 3:3). The Zen masters call it “the face we had before we were born.” This self cannot die, lives forever and is our true self. Religion is always in some way about discovering our true self (or soul), which is also to discover God, who is our deepest truth. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the meaning of “shalom” to our mission and sense of connection to Christ and the people in our environment.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?1 

Gillick, L. (2025, May 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052525.html 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?23 

Meditation on John 14:23-29. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/25/1283793/ 

Psalms, PSALM 67 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/67?2 

Revelation, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/21?10 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). What Is the Shadow? Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 25, 2025, fromhttps://cac.org/daily-meditations/what-is-the-shadow/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). My Peace I Give to You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may25