How to live a Joyful Life.

Thursday 23^rd May, 2019. Read Acts 15:7-21, Psalm 96 and John 15:9-11

 _*“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11)*_ 

Today’s first reading is the conclusion of the debate that sparked off among the Apostles of the early Church on the issue of circumcision. Led by the Spirit of God, Peter in the company of the council Fathers proffered a solution to the matter.

Peter’s argument was that if God could be so generous to them making them equal to the Jews by allowing them to receive the Holy Spirit, what was then the point discriminating against them? In fact, what has the removal of one’s foreskin got to do with his/her faith in God? For the Jews removing the foreskin was nothing more than a sign; a symbol demarcating God’s chosen people from others. It was not the essence of their faith.

This is one reason why we as Africans must study our culture deeply to know why we do what we do and how we can integrate our Faith. We do not have to lose our identity as Africans in other to qualify to be Christians neither do we have to carry on practices that would make us fall into the error of syncretism. (Worshiping God and other gods at the same time).

Even though the Jews considered circumcision as something important to them as a people following their history from the time of Abraham, they needed to come to a point when they would have to relinquish the importance of this act and realize Jesus’ death and resurrection surpasses whatever circumcision represents. No wonder, Moses himself said: “Circumcise, then, the foreskin of your heart, and do not be stubborn any longer.” (Deuteronomy 10:16).

How do we circumcise the foreskins of our hearts? Simply by keeping God’s commandments so as to abide in His love. Oh yes, keeping God’s commandments is not easy; it requires self-discipline and having to let go of many things, as Jesus would say, it is denying oneself, taking up the cross and following Him. This letting go is a form of circumcision and may appear very painful. Yet, this is the circumcision that God desires, not the cutting of one’s foreskin.

In truth, the joy and happiness we all desire as human beings can only be realized when we circumcise our hearts and keep God’s commandments. Jesus says to us today: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the grace of experiencing the joy of keeping your commandments. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 5^th Week of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 15:7-21, Psalm 96 and John 15:9-11).