Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 Lectionary: 287

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.

Saint Luke reports in today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles the first major crisis of the Church. It concerned religious questions of life and death for the young movement. Must all Christian males be circumcised? Should everyone observe the Law of Moses and its traditional practices?

The decision would be painful for many. Some would want with all their hearts to be baptized with their wives and children but could not face the ordeal of circumcision. Others might find their early training and lifelong refusal to speak with the uncircumcised insurmountable. However the Apostles decided, many devout souls would leave the Church. Some would establish sectarian churches of their own, based on their well-founded beliefs. 

The burgeoning Church, so eager and fresh, was growing too fast. It needed pruning already. 

The crisis of Acts 15, if not the situation, sounds very familiar to this 21st century church. Since the day Pope Francis was chosen to lead and govern the Church there have been fears of what he might decide, especially with regard to the issues around marriage and sexuality. Coming from Argentina, he is intensely aware of failed marriages, divorce, and serial polygamy. But conservative cardinals and bishops have threatened to separate their faithful from the Church if there are any changes to Canon Law. They regard the Gospel statements on marriage and divorce that seriously. Others are willing with the Pontiff to discuss the matter. 

And, of course, there are many other divisive issues. Celibacy of priests, ordination of women, abortion, assisted suicide, homosexuality, transgenderism: to name a few. Millions of people are unhappy with the way things are; they expect a major shift in Catholic policy every time a pope dies and is replaced. As many and more are seriously disappointed when the expected, eagerly anticipated changes don't happen. 

But, frankly, when has the Catholic Church not had our backs to the wall? When has our communion not faced an existential threat? Is there some reason we should all agree, join hands, and sing Kumbaya together as if there are no differences among us? Who said it was supposed to be easy?

Pope Francis has called for a synod on synodality, not unlike that first gathering in Jerusalem. But as we approach this assembly together, we might recall that Saint Luke habitually glossed over the most painful issues. He sometimes apologizes for bad behavior with implausible explanations like, "he found them sleeping from grief." It was probably their recent imbibing of pascal wine. And, "they were still incredulous for joy," meaning some disciples did not believe he had been raised from the dead. 

When the Evangelist says that first synod reported, "we have with one accord decided," we know there were some holdouts and Saint Paul would continue to quarrel with them. I have met some Christians who have recently created another sect which claims to incorporate Jewish practices (excepting circumcision) in an attempt to evangelize Jews to Christ. The State of Israel regards them as Protestant. 

There will be holdouts after the synod on synodality, as there are priests who are secretly married, and women who claim they're ordained. Welcome to the real Catholic Church. It's never been easy; no one said it should be. 

I remember when Pope Saint John XXIII called for the Second Vatican Council. My mother remarked we would have to pray as there would be changes. She and my father led us in prayer and most of the family has remained in the Church, despite some disagreements. 

Pruning is not fun for the vine. It may be painful for the vine grower. But it's necessary if the fruit is to be desirable, nourishing, and abundant. Many will idolize their own opinions at the expense of their Catholic faith; many already have. Those who remain in the vine will produce much fruit.