Acts 15:7-21 / John 15:9-11
At meetings, there are usually important matters to discuss and burning issues to resolve.
As much as such meetings are necessary, they can become long-drawn and boring when the focus is lost with too many personal opinions.
When principles and objective reasoning is not adhered to, then meetings won’t be fruitful or meaningful.
In the 1st reading, the apostles and elders met to discuss on the matter of pagans becoming Christians and the issue of imposing religious practices on them.
The discussion had gone on for a long time, and then Peter stood up to address the apostles and elders.
He brought them to focus on the will of God and the workings of the Holy Spirit among the pagans.
Peter also reminded them that it is by the grace of God that salvation is offered to all.
That silenced the entire assembly, and the meeting carried on with the focus on God and on His will.
From this we are reminded that in Church meetings and discussions, it is so necessary to pray and invoke God’s blessings on the assembly.
And the Holy Spirit will guide minds and hearts that are softened by prayer to look at matters and issues with the mind of God.
Then meetings will be fruitful with blessings and issues will be resolved with love.