Acts 15:7-21 / John 15:9-11
When we see photos in the newspapers of men in suits having a fist-fight and even throwing chair and whatever at each other, it can seem quite amusing.
But when those men in suits are politicians and they are in some discussion (or argument) over an issue, and they end up fighting and throwing things at each other, then it is really disgraceful.
After all they don't have to wear suits to do that! They can just wear boxing or wrestling attire to do that.
One of the probable reasons is that they get fed up of the discussions and counter arguments and hence resorting to physical force might force shut some irritating people.
In the 1st reading, we heard that the discussion among the apostles and elders about the conversion of the pagans had gone on for a long time.
Their patience must be wearing thin and the decibels must be getting high. And that was when Peter stood up to address the assembly.
He ended his address with this sentence: Remember, we believe that we are saved in the same way as they are: through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
And that silenced the entire assembly. When they were called to remember who was in their midst and what they were called to, they re-focused the direction of their discussion, and then they came to a decision that was in accordance with the will of God.
Yes, it is in remembering that who we are and what we should do. And in the gospel, Jesus tells us what we should do.
Jesus tells us to remain in His love. When we remember who Jesus is, we will remain in His love and His joy will also remain in us.