Last Sunday, Jesus presented Himself as the Good Shepherd and we (his disciples) are the sheep of His flock. In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to describe His relationship with us, his disciples. Jesus says today: “I am the true vine, and you are the branches."
The emphasis of Jesus in this short gospel passage is all about ‘remaining’ in Him: staying connected to the source and summit of our being. In this gospel passage, about eight times, the word ‘remain’ is used. “Remain in me, as I remain in you” Jesus insists. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit without remaining in the plant, we are as good as dead if we cut ourselves off. What use is an electric bulb if not connected to the power source? We can do nothing if we are not connected to Him.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want, and it will be done for you.” What a promise? Who would not want this? Or does it sound too good to be true? The challenge is remaining in Christ. Are you really at home with Jesus?
Jesus wants to make His homes with us. He says in the Book of Revelation, “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open, I will come in and dine with you make my home with you” (Rev. 3:20) To remain with Jesus means living with Him and abiding in His love; allowing His words to make a home in hearts and prune our lives. Jesus told his faithful followers, “You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.” Can we really say for sure that we have allowed ourselves to be pruned by God’s word and commandments?
Our commitment as Christ’s disciples is to be nourished and sustained through God’s Word and Sacrament. Through the Eucharist, Jesus dwells in us, remains with us, and prunes us so that we might bear good. God makes His home with us when we are at home with Him, and the fruits that we bear are obvious: love and forgiveness. Are you at home with God?
VANDALIZED STATUES: As was announced last Sunday, we are working on replacing the vandalized statues on our property. If you would like to contribute towards this project, please take an envelope from the Giving Tree at the back of the Church, make your donation and return it to the collection basket. May God bless your generosity.
God is Good, All the Time!
Father Tony Udoh, MSP Administrator of Holy Family
