‘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 marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’

Acts 15: 28-29

Here are the complete readings for Friday, May 23, 2025.

(“The Theological Virtues: Faith, Charity, Hope” ca. 1500. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Why is discernment so difficult and yet so liberating? Discernment requires a brutally honest self-assessment. What are our priorities and motivations behind them? Do we honor traditions because they are life giving and build community or because they help us maintain an identity that we like to present to others? The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles speak of the courage demonstrated by the disciples in their unwavering dedication to their beliefs, especially of the Resurrection and their call to build the kingdom of God based on the Beatitudes of Jesus. Discernment asks us to show a different kind of courage. What about our human practices are indeed life-giving and edifying to our sisters and brothers, and which, while well intentioned, sow division and marginalize the very people God calls us to welcome? This is no easy task, and we must engage in constantly. Discernment may not always produce clarity, either. What it does offer, however, is it puts all of us in our place. Discernment reminds us of our own spiritual poverty and need for grace. Discernment creates the space to be open to what in our daily journeys brings us closer to God and who we must be in order to grow closer in this relationship. Like any intimate relationship, discerning the Spirit asks us to be vulnerable, which can invite sorrow or consternation. Can we have faith that this vulnerability, while potentially painful, is actually essential for letting God in to perform God’s marvelous works through us?

Day by day
you will need to renew your response.
Do not become discouraged
over the difficulties you encounter
in your life of gospel service.
Knowing that difficulties would be your share,
your Founder judged:
that nothing special is achieved
without much labor, effort and zeal.– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you greet us each day. Give us the mind and heart to be open to what our day can be while walking with you. Calm our fears about what or who we may encounter as we live in the present and acknowledge your Presence. May we appreciate the ordinary moments that reveal to us just how close you really are. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/5mP9-FAyjOE?si=1Ab17Q9cS9r6hde4