In this weeks Gospel: John 15: 1-8 Jesus explains that he is the vine and we as followers are the branches. He uses this metaphor to explain that he is our connection to God. This is such a powerful illustration because without a connection to a vine , we all know that branches will eventually stop bearing fruit and die off. Can you recall a time when you felt like you lost your connection? Can you recall a time when your relationship with the lord didn’t feel secure? Those times are when we are called to trust God even more but in order to trust you need a relationship. That relationship is similar to the relationship of the vine and branches.
In our lifetime there will be many challenges where our relationship with the lord is tested. This Gospel explains exactly what our relationship with God is supposed to look like. First, God is the true source of our energy. That means without God we can’t accomplish anything. When I say “without God” I’m talking specifically about a life that doesn’t have God at the center. When you try to live a life where God isn’t involved you can expect extra turmoil, disappointments and stress. Haven’t we all been there? A crisis occurs and you kick into gear. You start doing whatever you can to survive but there is another approach. Perhaps, before we start doing, we can start praying. As Jesus stated in the gospel we are connected through him directly to the lord. The connection is a spiritual one. That connection directs our actions, reactions and interactions with the world. That is the first place we are to look in good and bad times. When we “lose” the connection life is different for us. It’s almost as if we are stumbling our way through life. When I disconnect things are different. The disagreements and frustrations begin to pile up. It’s almost as if I am being called back by God to slow down and reconnect. I know when I am operating with God at the center of my life. I know the difference. I feel better. I feel at peace with the world. All is well.
As a follower I have grown to understand that our relationship with God is our responsibility. We have to follow his commandments. We have to keep him at the center of our lives. Sometimes we forget that God can only work with us if we allow him into our hearts. It takes intentional effort on our part. It requires an almost minute by minute awareness of his presence and power over our lives. That’s what’s Jesus is saying in this Gospel when he says “ Abide in me” We are to fill a space in his heart as he fills one in ours.
How much time a day are you making for Vine maintenance? When do you examine your connection? Is it after you have stumbled or face a difficult situation? Do you have a maintenance schedule? What system do you have in place to make sure your branches will bear fruit? Do you attend mass regularly? Do you have a prayer group or a daily prayer ritual. Remember maintenance is our responsibility. We are in charge of how close we allow God to get to us. I believe that if we do our part the outcome is nothing less than fruitful.
