Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 28 April 2027

1 And some coming down from Judea, taught the brethren: That except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.

2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small contest with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of the other side, should go up to the apostles and priests to Jerusalem about this question.

3 They therefore being brought on their way by the church, passed through Phenice, and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and ancients, declaring how great things God had done with them.

5 But there arose some of the sect of the Pharisees that believed, saying: They must be circumcised, and be commanded to observe the law of Moses.

6 And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider of this matter.

R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.

2 Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

3 Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.

4ab For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

4cd the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.

5 Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

4a, 5b Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 I am the true vine; and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me, that beareth not fruit, he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit, he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now you are clean by reason of the word, which I have spoken to you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me.

5 I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.

6 If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, and he burneth.

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 In this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much fruit, and become my disciples.

The first Christians faced a serious disagreement about who could be saved and what must be required of believers. Rather than allowing the dispute to divide the community, Paul, Barnabas, and others went to Jerusalem to listen and discern with the apostles and elders. Along the way, they shared how God had brought the Gentiles to faith, and this news caused great joy. The Church’s unity was being tested, yet it was also being strengthened by seeking God’s will together.

Jesus shows where that fruitfulness begins: “Abide in me.” A branch cannot live by its own strength, and neither can the Church or any disciple. Remaining in Christ means allowing his word to shape our judgments, our relationships, and our response to difficult questions. The apostles gathered in Jerusalem as branches joined to the living vine, trusting that faithful discernment would bear fruit for the whole community. We may carry genuine convictions, but they must remain rooted in Christ rather than in pride or fear. When we stay close to him, even disagreement can become an occasion for deeper communion, joyful mission, and a life that gives glory to the Father.

Lord Jesus, true Vine, keep me close to you and let your word remain in me. Purify my thoughts and desires so that my convictions may serve love and the good of your Church. Give us humility when believers disagree, patience to listen, and wisdom to seek your will together. Help us rejoice in every work of grace, especially when you draw new people into faith. Do not let me rely on my own strength; make my life a branch that bears lasting fruit, welcomes others, and glorifies the Father. Amen.