The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
Acts 15:22
Love is the beating heart of the Church. Without it, our life as Christians would be indistinguishable from the world and we would inevitably fall prey to division. We see the in our reading today the way in which love animated the life of the early Church: “The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church…” This sense of unity and mission can only be born out of a lived experience of Christ who is Love incarnate at work in His Church. Time and again in Acts we read about the way in which the Apostles, moved by love, are united in profound communion and throw themselves headfirst into mission. Despite their differences, the love that they have received and in return show to one another is the only thing capable of bringing them together. And once someone has experienced such a love, the only response is to share it, to bear witness to it, and to invite others into a relationship with the source of that love, Christ Himself. Let us pray that we too may experience that same love, and so enjoy the communion of those companions with whom we share the same mission.
How has an experience of the love of God moved me into greater communion with Him and others?
We pray that the love of God will always be the beating heart of the Church, leading us into greater communion and mission.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Ralph D'Elia
Did you know...
Fr. Ralph D’Elia was ordained a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2019. He is currently assigned as the parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Previously Fr. Ralph studied Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, with a specialization in Moral Theology.
