Union in Spirit

May 23 Friday of the 5th week of Easter: 

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 15:15-31; Psalm 57:8-9, 10, 12; John 15:12-17

“It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials.” Acts 15:28

When “the apostles and elders” decided not to impose Jewish rules on Gentile converts, the Church became conscious of herself as “catholic.” Christianity passed from a Jewish cultural religion into a faith spread “throughout the whole”—kata-holos—of humanity. The Spirit enfleshed in the laws and customs of the Chosen People was released to find expression in the laws and customs of every people—raised to a new level of light and love.

Christianity is not a determined way of life; it is a life that determines many ways. The key to Christianity is being guided from within by the Holy Spirit.

This is what Jesus meant when he said, “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” Slaves just take orders; friends follow principles. It is the difference between blind obedience and informed intentionality. Slaves read the letter; prophets realize the purpose of the law. Often that purpose can be achieved in many different ways.

Being a prophet is less a concern about finding the “right answers” than a commitment to ask the right questions—and let the Spirit answer.

PRAY: “Send forth your Spirit, and our hearts will be regenerated.”

PRACTICE: Seek unity in diversity.