Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11)
The primitive Church community faces a monumental problem in
today’s reading from Acts. Should it set aside the Jewish law that has given
its members a sense of distinctiveness, rectitude, and stability to accept new
members who for good reason cannot abide by the rule? The Church here is not alone in confronting a
dilemma imposed by the law. In the play Billy
Budd, the protagonist -- as innocent a soul as ever existed -- is tried for
an infraction that carries a death sentence. Budd did what was prohibited by
law, but the circumstances seem to excuse him.
Maliciously accused by an officer of mutiny, Budd’s speech
impediment incapacitated him from defending himself verbally. To protest the lie, Budd struck the officer who
fell to the floor, hit his head, and died. The jury must decide if Budd is guilty of striking an officer. Similarly in the first reading, the governing body of apostles and presbyters must
decide whether God permits willing but uncircumcised men into the community of disciples. Peter provides the winning argument. He tells the jury that circumcision, the
traditional sign of faith, is not the only sign. Rather evidence of being moved by the Holy
Spirit provides even greater evidence of a person’s faith.
After James, the leader of the community, indicates
agreement with Peter, the leadership decides to allow admittance of
uncircumcised men to the community. In contrast,
Billy Budd is hanged for his action. We are
chastened to be very discerning about how we judge. Rules need not dictate every case. Rather intent and other circumstances may
affect culpability.
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