Acts 15:22-31 / John 15:12-17
The difference between harmony and discord lies with many factors. One of which is the obedience to authority.
Certainly, authority that is respected would bring about harmony, but authority that is not respected would bring about discord.
And more so, for an authority that is respectable and credible, then the disrespect is unjustified and uncalled for.
In the 1st reading, the Church authorities, namely the apostles and elders, came to know of a discord in the churches of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.
Some of the Jewish Christians have gone to these churches and propagated the necessity of circumcision as a means to salvation.
This has caused discord and disagreement in these Churches. And so the Church authorities decided to clarify the situation and make a statement.
They made it clear that those who propagated circumcision acted without any authority, and hence they are sending respectable men like Judas and Silas, and Barnabas and Paul to confirm by mouth what was written in the letter.
Yes, those who act without authority, will only cause discord and harmony.
Jesus, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, has authority both in heaven and on earth. With that authority, He is giving us the command to love one another, just as He has loved us.
With the power that comes from the authority of Jesus, let us love one another and thus bear fruits of peace and harmony.