Remain In Me

 

  Jn 15:1-8

The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Our post-resurrection reflections on living the Christian life continue today with the familiar and beloved image of the vine and the branches. As grapes depend on a connection to a healthy vine, we cannot bear fruit that will last unless we are firmly connected to Jesus. We cannot pick and choose or cut corners, no, we must be firmly attached to the root and source of our life. We remain in Jesus through prayer, study and good works. We must be consistent in these, lest they lose their attraction and power to transform us into faithful disciples who carry on the mission of Jesus.  As grapes wither when cut from the vine, so do we when separated from Jesus. 

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, you are the vine, we are the branches. May we always remain connected to you. Amen.