Overview:

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

A Reflection for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

After much debate had taken place,
Peter got up and said to the Apostles and the presbyters,
“My brothers, you are well aware that from early days
God made his choice among you that through my mouth
the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe.
And God, who knows the heart,
bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit
just as he did us.
He made no distinction between us and them,
for by faith he purified their hearts.
Why, then, are you now putting God to the test
by placing on the shoulders of the disciples
a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?
On the contrary, we believe that we are saved
through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.”
The whole assembly fell silent,
and they listened
while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders
God had worked among the Gentiles through them. (Acts 15:7-21)

Find today’s readings here.

The Church can sometimes seem fractured.

The Catholic Church is a big tent. That is one of its core strengths: the fact that it is a diverse place. Over a billion people worldwide contribute to this diversity—whether it be by nationality or race or culture—but all are united under the banner of our one church. We welcome all who wish to be part of it. That being said, having so many adherents means that not everyone will agree on everything. When was the last time that any group of people you know came to a proper consensus without debate? Now imagine a billion people, many with different ways of thinking, all agreeing on one way of being. It’s impressive how consistent the Catholic Church has been given these circumstances.

But though it can often be difficult to find common ground in the modern church, it is heartening to look back and remember that disagreement, debate and compromise are baked into the history and structure of our faith. In this passage from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter and the other disciples are actively discussing important issues of the day, like how to treat Gentiles who have come to follow the teachings of Jesus. They make specific points and cite historical documents and Scripture to defend their arguments. In some ways, it is not dissimilar to the Church’s modern councils and synods.

Compromise and unity are at the heart of the Catholic faith. It is a faith that has been formed and strengthened over two millennia of debate and disagreement. There is still much of this in the church, as there always has been and likely always will be. But there is great joy to be found in resolving division and conflict by turning towards each other and engaging in conversation.

Kevin Christopher Robles is the studio production associate at America. He was previously an O'Hare Fellow and intern.