Today's first reading shows us the early Church in action. The Gospel, which continues on from the Washing of the Feet, presents us with a picture of the Church in its embryonic stage. Taken together, the readings provide guidelines as to how Christians should conduct themselves today.

The early Church was finding its feet in a society which was complex and sometimes hostile to it. Of necessity, it had to blend flexibility and a firm adherence to essentials in its appeal to that society. The belief that its foundational teacher was Christ was essential to its existence.

In today's Gospel, He simply says of Himself - I AM. This was the unquestioned biblical designation of God. This two-word three-letter statement, clearly and accurately understood, is non-negotiable.

Since God has spoken to us through His Son, we must be open to the possibility that He would speak to us through men and women loyal to Christ. Sometimes, though, He speaks in surprising ways, and we must be ready for that possibility too.

The readings suggest that not all who hear God's word and take it in remain faithful to it. Finally, Christians must endeavour to be as open as possible to those who, while differing in beliefs, hold out a courteous and cooperative hand to them.