"Love one another as I have loved you"

Today in the first reading from Acts 15:22-21, we hear the results of the so called Council of Jerusalem, the meeting held to discuss differences between the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and those in Antioch. The issue was whether Gentiles who wished to become christians should first be obliged to accept Jewish practices such as circumcision. The problem was resolved in a way that was satisfactory to all. The Gentiles were told that such burdens would not be placed upon them and they were asked to respect Jewish dietary regulations so that they could share meals together. The decision gave great encouragement to the Antioch community for it was now made clear that faith in Jesus was the centre of life in the community and not other traditions and laws. We rejoice that in our morning mass at Lower Hutt we are a tiny Antioch where people from various countries come together to offer each other peace and share in the same eucharistic meal. This is the pattern in many parishes now and we thank God for the faith and life that so many people from varous cultures are bringing. May our communities become so united that we may together fulfil the commandment of Jesus in John's gospel 15:12-17. ''Love one another as I have loved you.'' The meeting in Jerusalem came to a happy conclusion because it was aimed at encouragement based on respect and tolerance. Let us join with St. Columban in his prayer, ''Lord God, give me true love which never fails so that my life may shine as a light which warms my own heart and brings comfort to others, Amen.''