5/22/2014 – Thursday of 5th week of Easter – Act 15:7-21

      We have heard about the evolution of the early Church in our readings from the Acts of the Apostles these past five weeks.  Today, we hear part of the discourses from the Council of Jerusalem, in which the main topic discussed was whether Gentile could become followers of Christ, and whether they would have to become Jews first before converting to the Way of Jesus.  After Peter’s discourse, it is James who makes a bold statement: That God wishes all to come to him, so no unnecessary burdens must be imposed on the Gentiles who want to convert.  Our faith makes demands on us.  Our faith calls us to make sacrifices.  But our faith also must be accessible and welcoming.  It must call us to come to the Lord with joy and energy.  As a priest, it is difficult having a conversation with someone about his faith and how he lives out his faith in words and in actions.  It meets asking the couple that are requesting to have their child baptized to think about how they are going to accept the responsibility of rearing that child in the faith if they are currently rarely coming to mass and not very active in the parish.  It means asking the couple to marry to think about how they as a couple want to commit themselves to living out the faith.  Those conversations are never easy. Those conversations cannot be done timidly, but they also cannot be scolding.  God calls us to come to us.  But we must respond boldly to that invitation.