Imagine yourself in the early Jerusalem Christian community, gathered for Sunday Eucharist—and in walks Saul, well-known for his persecution of the Church. What would your reaction be? Hello, I’m Father Greg Friedman, and this with the “Sunday Soundbite” for the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

Saul’s friends must have had a time convincing the community that Saul was on their side. Barnabas was his “guardian angel,” nicknamed the “son of encouragement,” according to an earlier story in Acts. Not a bad friend to have if you’re Saul and badly in need of credibility.

Barnabas must have been convincing, since the story says Saul was soon “moving freely” about Jerusalem and preaching boldly. In fact, enemies of the Christian community were soon plotting to kill Saul. His zeal made him controversial, no matter whose side he was on!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the comparison of vine and branches to describe our unity with him. In a community, the unity we share with Christ must also mean we are united with each other. The story about Saul and the Jerusalem community reminds us how important it is to affirm one another within our contemporary parish settings. We must welcome and integrate those who are new to the community. We may need to support our more zealous and outspoken members when they witness boldly. In all things, we strive to keep Jesus’ command: to love one another, as he has loved us.

I’m Father Greg Friedman with the “Sunday Soundbite” for St. Anthony Messenger Press, on the Web at FranciscanRadio.org.