WWJD?

Thursday of the 5^th Week of Easter

Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11

You may remember that, years ago, there was a lot of merchandise around with WWJD? imprinted on it. Christian commentators look back on that as a fad that went the way of the dinosaur, but, in my opinion, it’s always good to contemplate what Jesus would do about so many of the things we debate about in our time.

I thought of that while reading today’s passage from the Acts of the Apostles. The influx of gentiles into Christianity had stirred up a good deal of debate. It’s not hard to see why; up to that point, the faith had been dominated by Jews. Now, as they were quickly becoming the minority, at least some Christian Jews began pushing for gentile converts to follow Mosaic Law. Luke keeps it simple; he doesn’t give us the debate, just the aftermath. What strikes me is that, although Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James all say what they think should be done, none of them talks about what Jesus would say or do.

Luke might have left out the details of the debate because the side that lost argued that they knew what Jesus would do: agree with them. It makes some sense; after all, Jesus himself followed the Law. In fact, it was he who said, Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill (Matthew 5:18).

Nevertheless, the side represented by Peter and James carried the day because they understood that the real issue was not about what Jesus would do, but about what he had already done. First, he set the example. He taught, healed, and made disciples among both Jews and gentiles. Then, he sent the Apostles from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Clearly, Jesus intended that they see to it that both Jews and gentiles were welcome in his Church.

The Apostles could only do that if they used what our Lord gave them, and in today’s readings, we see two things. First is the commandment to remain in his love, which means to strive for that same “oneness” that Jesus and his Father enjoy. The Apostles did understand this. The book of Acts, the letters of Paul, and those of John spend a lot of time talking about unity and the importance of preserving it. That principle of oneness was uppermost in their minds during the debate, and we see it in their decision.

The second thing Jesus gave them was the greatest gift of all: the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts really is the book of the Holy Spirit; no matter where the Apostles go or what they do, the Spirit is constantly guiding them, helping them, and giving them courage, insight, and inspiration. Without Him, they can do nothing; with Him, they can do anything.

As always, what applied to the Apostles applies equally to us. If history shows us anything, it’s that there will always be problems and debates within the Church. We have them among ourselves in every parish! But, we also have the commandment to remain in his love – to preserve the unity Jesus prayed for (John 17:21-23). Doing that means, for example, having the humility to listen to those who disagree with us, not to show them where they’re wrong, but to show ourselves where they might be right. And, we also have the Holy Spirit, who teaches us that true love is not about what’s best for me, but what’s best for us. Even if our solutions aren’t pleasing to everyone (or anyone), if they are done in and with the Holy Spirit, they will please our heavenly Father.

We all know, even without a bracelet, that is definitely what Jesus would do.

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