(Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.)
Paul and Barnabas had returned from the first missionary journey, during which many Gentiles had come to believe. They returned to their home base in Antioch. Their stories brought great joy to most of the people, but some insisted that the Gentiles had to observe the law of Moses. When Paul and Barnaba disagreed with this group, the Church at Antioch referred the case to Jerusalem and the Apostles.
After much debate, which is synthesized in Acts 15:7-21, The Council in Jerusalem, with the Holy Spirit, decided to demand of the Gentile believers only that they abstain from certain behaviors that the Jewish believers found disgusting. Fornication; anything that seemed like idol worship, such as eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols; and eating or drinking the blood of animals were actions that offended Jewish sensitivities.
No mention was made in the decision of circumcision or the Law of Moses. It seems that the root of the problem in Antioch was that certain external behaviors, real or imagined, were scandalous to Jewish persons. The decision takes in account this practical aspect of the situation.
The assembly or council of the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem gives us a model for our decision-making. The issue was stated and discussed extensively. The real issues were uncovered and solutions proposed. In the end, the decision became the work of the Holy Spirit and the leaders.
When we have to make decisions, we should learn the issues, study the background and listen to those involved. Finally, in consultation with the group and guided by the Holy Spirit, we should be in position to make the decision. Our decisions have to take into account the sensitivities of others.
I should put in a disclaimer or a spoiler alert, that I am not the best one to teach this method. On the other hand, since I am retired from making decisions about matters like these, I can relax and let the Holy Spirit work with others.