As we continue to celebrate and meditate upon the Paschal mystery, the liturgy describes the unfolding Resurrection faith of the early Church. In the first reading we hear of a turning-point moment in this unfolding. The Church in Antioch now has a mixed community of Jews and Gentiles. Since the first Christians were Jews, they thought that their newfound faith was really the fulfilment of Judaism - that they were still Jews, but now possessing the fullness of faith. But does this mean that the Gentiles must also first become Jews? Must they be circumcised and be bound by all the practices of Jewish law? The community was divided, and so decided to send a delegation to seek guidance from the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem.

In future days this issue will be decided on. But perhaps the important point for us today is this: the issue must be settled by bringing it to the discerning prayer of the community. What we want is not a majority vote but the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And this can only be realized when the community discerns together. In Jesus' parable of the vine and the branches, we find the assurance we need to face such difficult decisions. As long as we remain in Him, His Spirit will surely guide us. In the rapidly changing, and sometimes confusing, world of today, that is very reassuring. We may not understand His ways, but we can be sure of His faithful love.