Sunday, April 28, 2024
Have you noticed broken tree branches lying on street curbs, yards, or in the park? It is common to see branches that have broken off and fallen to the ground due to strong winds and storms, especially during wintertime or shortly after. Severed from their trees, the fallen branches will wither and die. They can’t live detached from tree trunks or grow leaves, pines, or roots.
That is a metaphor for us urban dwellers. Vine and branches is a similar metaphor that Jesus uses in today’s Gospel to exemplify the significance of our unity with Him. He is the vine that is connected to God and us, the branches. The vine provides the branches with the life-giving sustenance they need to live and be fruitful. In today’s short reading, Jesus uses the word remain or abide in some other Bible translations seven times, promising to abide in us and calling us to abide in Him. Think of a concerned father or mother appealing to their child to hold their hand to keep them from straying and getting lost.
It is important to point out that what Jesus said is not merely a fleeting suggestion. It is not like someone trying a diet to eat healthier, only to move to another if it doesn’t work or in pursuit of better results. Jesus’s words are not one way or a better way, it is the only way for us to get all we need to live, grow, and flourish from Him.
We know we have little control over much that happens in our lives, yet we try to control every aspect and influence every outcome. We can be overwhelmed with feelings of angst, anger, and fear. We agonize, fret, and carry heavy burdens only to recall that God abides in us when it gets too much to bear. Jesus said that He remains in us like a vine to branches; it is up to us to remain in Him, always.
Jesus continues to speak to us in today’s Gospel and New Testament readings, “Without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b). “And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit that he gave us.” (1 John 3:23-24).
Let us put Jesus’ call into practice starting today and have it become a life-long habit. Think about how your time is spent and what contributes to negative feelings and anxiety. Which negative thoughts, bad habits, regrets, and fears can you prune away for healthier living? Spend time with God daily to reflect on His words by reading the Bible or spiritual writings. Be in His presence, silently and attentively, to hear and discern His voice. Recognize and give thanks for His gifts, love, and desire to abide in you.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.