April 28, 2024 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
May you continue to grow and bear much fruit as you draw life-giving sustenance from the Lord Jesus.
My father had a grapevine in his backyard. Every spring he would prune the branches and cut off the dead parts that were attached to the vine. Sometimes I thought that he cut off too much. Yet, by late summer, he would have bunches of grapes growing on the vine. It was necessary to prune the branches so that the vine could pump the nourishment to branches that would bear much fruit. The branches that were attached to the main vine produced great fruit.
We are branches that must remain attached to the Vine of Jesus. Without being bound to the Lord Jesus, we will not bear fruit. We, too, must often be pruned of our deadness so we can produce a rich harvest, not just for ourselves, but also for others.
May you continue to grow and bear much fruit as you draw life-giving sustenance from the Lord Jesus.
My father had a grapevine in his backyard. Every spring he would prune the branches and cut off the dead parts that were attached to the vine. Sometimes I thought that he cut off too much. Yet, by late summer, he would have bunches of grapes growing on the vine. It was necessary to prune the branches so that the vine could pump the nourishment to branches that would bear much fruit. The branches that were attached to the main vine produced great fruit.
We are branches that must remain attached to the Vine of Jesus. Without being bound to the Lord Jesus, we will not bear fruit. We, too, must often be pruned of our deadness so we can produce a rich harvest, not just for ourselves, but also for others.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042824.cfm
Saint Peter Chanel: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-chanel
Readings: Acts 9: 26-31; Psalm 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32; 1 John 3: 18-24; John 15: 1-8
Our readings present some key concepts of the nature of the Church. The Acts of the Apostles reminds us that the Church is made up of humans who are suspicious of others, yet with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they can grow and be at peace. The psalm provides a look at some key attributes that are related to the Church. The First Letter of John warns believers that having a relationship with Jesus is more than intellectual agreement to statements of faith. In today’s Gospel we hear part of Jesus’ “Last Supper Discourse,” in which He speaks of Himself as the source of life and the vitality for those who desire to bear the fruits that GOD intends them to produce.
The early believers struggled with acceptance of GOD’s calling of Saul (St. Paul) to be not only a member of the faith community, but also a missionary in the furthering of the Gospel, particularly to the Greek speaking world. The first Christians remember that it was about three years ago when Saul had been commissioned by the Jewish religious authority to exterminate those who called upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Only after Barnabas steps forward in Saul’s defense, do the apostles begin to see Saul (Paul) as a co-worker with them in the spread of the faith. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the community of faith continues to grow through these early struggles.
The psalm enables us to reflect on some characteristics that speak not only of the believers hundreds of years before Jesus, but also of those who gather in the name of Jesus from the time of Jesus until today. The refrain is a reminder that the purpose of believers gathering together (assembling) is to praise the LORD. The Hebrew concept of assembly (those called to gather as a group) led to the usage of the term synagogue. The Greek equivalent was ekklesia from which we have the English words “ecclesiastical” or “ecclesial” meaning “of or relating to the Church.” The Church, by its very name, is an assembly or gathering of people who come together to praise GOD.
Another “ecclesial” reflection flowing from the psalm is the universality of the Church. Verse 28 speaks of “all the ends of the earth” and “all the families of nations” turning to the LORD and bowing down before GOD. The Church is called to be “catholic” (I particularly use the lower case) or “universal” or “world-wide.”
The psalm also reminds us of the attributes of being evangelical and reaching beyond the boundaries of human life. We hear that “all who sleep in the earth” will also praise GOD and that “the coming generation be told of the LORD.” The members of GOD’s assembly (the “Church”) are not limited to those living right here and right now. It extends to those who have died in faith and to those who are yet to come.
In the passage that is used as our Second Reading today, the author reminds us that faith is not just saying that one loves GOD and believes in the words of the profession of faith. The faith must be acted out in deeds and truth. There is a two-fold dimension to keeping GOD’s commandments: believing in the name of Jesus and loving one another (as He commanded). The letter is a warning to the “gnostics” in the Johannine community (the community stemming from the Apostle John). Some members of the community so strongly emphasized the importance of intellectually “knowing” (gnosis in Greek) that they put down any human, earthly, or relational aspects of faith. The author wanted his community to realize that “knowledge” is GOoD, but it must lead to, and be professed by, being part of a community that reaches out with loving care for other members. It is not a selfish pursuit of thinking, but a selfless care of others.
In the Gospel, speaking to His disciples on the night before He died, Jesus proclaims the importance of being united with Him, for He is the life-sustaining Vine that (Who) provides the nutrients for the branches (the disciples) so that they can produce the fruit that GOD the Abba-Father – the Vine Grower – expects. Jesus’ followers are quite aware of how grapes grow. They know that the vine is essential for the growth of the branches. They would have also seen how the vine growers prunes the dead and useless branches away from the vine so that the healthy branches can have a fuller share in the life-sustaining fluids flowing from and throughout the vine. If the branches are not pruned, the GOoD branches would not produce as rich a harvest as they could. [Note: We call grapes, “the fruit of the Vine (Jesus),” not “fruit of the branches (us).”]
As I reflect on the readings, I realized how important being part of the Church is. I know that scripture refers to the Church as an edifice with Jesus as the cornerstone, the apostles as the foundation, and each member as part of the structure. Yet, it is important to realize that Church is not merely a physical building. It is an edifice of living, human beings. Jesus is not only the cornerstone (on which all the other stones lean), but He is the life-sustaining vine through which each of us (the branches) receive what we need to produce fruit. The “living” image of Church is more powerful to me, since it speaks of the fruit that we are called to produce. This reminds me that we are called to be part of life-giving process that begins with our being joined to Jesus.
Being “religious” is more than a personal relationship with GOD. That relationship with the Lord Jesus is absolutely essential. As we “re-bind” (re-ligio) ourselves to the Lord Jesus, however, we have to re-bind ourselves to all others who are linked with Jesus. We have no life without our relationship with Jesus, His Abba-Father, and the Holy Spirit. Yet, that leads to being united with others. We are called to assemble together in the name of the Lord Jesus, to edify and build up each other as we praise GOD together. From the one vine, the branches must “branch” out and spread to the whole world, to all the families of the nations. We are part of a living community of faith that stretches beyond time and physical space. We must continue to produce fruit so that others will join with us in the praise of the One Who is the Vine Grower. By the GOoD News of our fruitful lives, people will want to be a part of the Assembly of GOD’s people. Our actions should be so inviting that others will want to be grafted onto the Vine and receive the same life-giving nourishment that leads to the praise of the LORD GOD. May we always echo today’s psalm response and say, “I will praise You, LORD, in the assembly of Your people.”
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, life-giving Vine Grower. Through Your GOoDness, You desire to receive the work of Your hands, the best fruit of the Vine. You call us to be branches that receive life from the Vine, Your Son, Jesus. We have sometimes failed to produce the harvest You desired. We ask that You would prune away those parts of our lives that do not produce the rich fruits that You desire and deserve. Help us to let go of all that is unhealthy in our lives. May we reach out our branches with the abundant growth that draws others to be attached to Your Vine, and that gives You an even greater harvest. We thank You and praise You for allowing us to be a part of Your Church, the gathering of those committed to You and Your Son in and through the working of the Holy Spirit. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, the Vine You have planted on earth, our life-source, Who has died so that we might live, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Abide in the Vine by Steven Childs Pennamen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0uGEQ5dNB4
I Am the Vine sung by Daniel Markoya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-1iWrOKJTI
Video of the Day: St. Peter Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UAsyBQ6hbw
© rjk, 12-01-22
Saint Peter Chanel: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-chanel
Readings: Acts 9: 26-31; Psalm 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32; 1 John 3: 18-24; John 15: 1-8
Our readings present some key concepts of the nature of the Church. The Acts of the Apostles reminds us that the Church is made up of humans who are suspicious of others, yet with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they can grow and be at peace. The psalm provides a look at some key attributes that are related to the Church. The First Letter of John warns believers that having a relationship with Jesus is more than intellectual agreement to statements of faith. In today’s Gospel we hear part of Jesus’ “Last Supper Discourse,” in which He speaks of Himself as the source of life and the vitality for those who desire to bear the fruits that GOD intends them to produce.
The early believers struggled with acceptance of GOD’s calling of Saul (St. Paul) to be not only a member of the faith community, but also a missionary in the furthering of the Gospel, particularly to the Greek speaking world. The first Christians remember that it was about three years ago when Saul had been commissioned by the Jewish religious authority to exterminate those who called upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Only after Barnabas steps forward in Saul’s defense, do the apostles begin to see Saul (Paul) as a co-worker with them in the spread of the faith. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the community of faith continues to grow through these early struggles.
The psalm enables us to reflect on some characteristics that speak not only of the believers hundreds of years before Jesus, but also of those who gather in the name of Jesus from the time of Jesus until today. The refrain is a reminder that the purpose of believers gathering together (assembling) is to praise the LORD. The Hebrew concept of assembly (those called to gather as a group) led to the usage of the term synagogue. The Greek equivalent was ekklesia from which we have the English words “ecclesiastical” or “ecclesial” meaning “of or relating to the Church.” The Church, by its very name, is an assembly or gathering of people who come together to praise GOD.
Another “ecclesial” reflection flowing from the psalm is the universality of the Church. Verse 28 speaks of “all the ends of the earth” and “all the families of nations” turning to the LORD and bowing down before GOD. The Church is called to be “catholic” (I particularly use the lower case) or “universal” or “world-wide.”
The psalm also reminds us of the attributes of being evangelical and reaching beyond the boundaries of human life. We hear that “all who sleep in the earth” will also praise GOD and that “the coming generation be told of the LORD.” The members of GOD’s assembly (the “Church”) are not limited to those living right here and right now. It extends to those who have died in faith and to those who are yet to come.
In the passage that is used as our Second Reading today, the author reminds us that faith is not just saying that one loves GOD and believes in the words of the profession of faith. The faith must be acted out in deeds and truth. There is a two-fold dimension to keeping GOD’s commandments: believing in the name of Jesus and loving one another (as He commanded). The letter is a warning to the “gnostics” in the Johannine community (the community stemming from the Apostle John). Some members of the community so strongly emphasized the importance of intellectually “knowing” (gnosis in Greek) that they put down any human, earthly, or relational aspects of faith. The author wanted his community to realize that “knowledge” is GOoD, but it must lead to, and be professed by, being part of a community that reaches out with loving care for other members. It is not a selfish pursuit of thinking, but a selfless care of others.
In the Gospel, speaking to His disciples on the night before He died, Jesus proclaims the importance of being united with Him, for He is the life-sustaining Vine that (Who) provides the nutrients for the branches (the disciples) so that they can produce the fruit that GOD the Abba-Father – the Vine Grower – expects. Jesus’ followers are quite aware of how grapes grow. They know that the vine is essential for the growth of the branches. They would have also seen how the vine growers prunes the dead and useless branches away from the vine so that the healthy branches can have a fuller share in the life-sustaining fluids flowing from and throughout the vine. If the branches are not pruned, the GOoD branches would not produce as rich a harvest as they could. [Note: We call grapes, “the fruit of the Vine (Jesus),” not “fruit of the branches (us).”]
As I reflect on the readings, I realized how important being part of the Church is. I know that scripture refers to the Church as an edifice with Jesus as the cornerstone, the apostles as the foundation, and each member as part of the structure. Yet, it is important to realize that Church is not merely a physical building. It is an edifice of living, human beings. Jesus is not only the cornerstone (on which all the other stones lean), but He is the life-sustaining vine through which each of us (the branches) receive what we need to produce fruit. The “living” image of Church is more powerful to me, since it speaks of the fruit that we are called to produce. This reminds me that we are called to be part of life-giving process that begins with our being joined to Jesus.
Being “religious” is more than a personal relationship with GOD. That relationship with the Lord Jesus is absolutely essential. As we “re-bind” (re-ligio) ourselves to the Lord Jesus, however, we have to re-bind ourselves to all others who are linked with Jesus. We have no life without our relationship with Jesus, His Abba-Father, and the Holy Spirit. Yet, that leads to being united with others. We are called to assemble together in the name of the Lord Jesus, to edify and build up each other as we praise GOD together. From the one vine, the branches must “branch” out and spread to the whole world, to all the families of the nations. We are part of a living community of faith that stretches beyond time and physical space. We must continue to produce fruit so that others will join with us in the praise of the One Who is the Vine Grower. By the GOoD News of our fruitful lives, people will want to be a part of the Assembly of GOD’s people. Our actions should be so inviting that others will want to be grafted onto the Vine and receive the same life-giving nourishment that leads to the praise of the LORD GOD. May we always echo today’s psalm response and say, “I will praise You, LORD, in the assembly of Your people.”
- The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to be a branch who is attached to the life-giving Vine? Do I only see my relationship to GOD to be an intellectual pursuit, a personal one-on-one with GOD? How do I see that I am part of community of believers who are called to be united together with the life-giving Vine? What are some of the fruits of my relationship with GOD that are evident to others and that might draw them into a closer relationship with GOD and with other believers?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, life-giving Vine Grower. Through Your GOoDness, You desire to receive the work of Your hands, the best fruit of the Vine. You call us to be branches that receive life from the Vine, Your Son, Jesus. We have sometimes failed to produce the harvest You desired. We ask that You would prune away those parts of our lives that do not produce the rich fruits that You desire and deserve. Help us to let go of all that is unhealthy in our lives. May we reach out our branches with the abundant growth that draws others to be attached to Your Vine, and that gives You an even greater harvest. We thank You and praise You for allowing us to be a part of Your Church, the gathering of those committed to You and Your Son in and through the working of the Holy Spirit. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, the Vine You have planted on earth, our life-source, Who has died so that we might live, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Abide in the Vine by Steven Childs Pennamen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0uGEQ5dNB4
I Am the Vine sung by Daniel Markoya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-1iWrOKJTI
Video of the Day: St. Peter Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UAsyBQ6hbw
© rjk, 12-01-22