by Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, O.M.I, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cotabato
Liturgy of the Word
Acts of the Apostles 15:1-2, 22-29
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
John 14:23-29
1. 1st Reading, Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 -- The decision of the Council of Jerusalem. The issue in Antioch is whether or not Gentile converts are obliged to observe the Mosaic Law, as some of the Jewish converts strongly assert (vv. 1-2). So, the community sends Paul and Barnabas to bring the issue to Jerusalem. The Council of Apostles and presbyters makes its decision and sends Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch, with Silas and Barsabbas, also named Judas, to represent the Council (v. 22).
2. The decision -- "The Apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings" (v. 23). "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals and from unlawful marria