The Wealth of Connection

Daily Reflection – 5/22/19

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”( John 15: 1-8)

Reflection

Do you see how precious a picture it is that Jesus says he is the vine, you, the branches?  Do you hear how great a promise is made that whoever remains in him, he will remain in you?  Do you see Jesus’ vision for you?

All Jesus wants is for you to grow as his disciple.  All he wants is for you to be cultivated and pruned, corrected and trained by his Word, encouraged by his washing you in Baptism, and sharing the blessings of his death with you in the Supper.  Remain in me, he says!  Why does he want that so badly for you, that you stay so connected to him in his Word?  Because he sees the fruits!  He sees a branch that is completely satisfied!

Jesus sees the fruit of a worry-free life; someone who says: “Let me tell you about my Vine.  My Vine meets all my needs!  My Vine delivers me from evil and sends his angels to watch over me wherever I go

Jesus sees the fruit of strength and confidence: “I am a branch to the Vine.  Of what crime can Satan accuse me?  Death, where is your sting? If I live, I live in the Vine; if I die, I die in the Vine. 

Jesus sees the fruit of love and service to your neighbor:  “My Vine has paid my great debt of sin.  He has cancelled it and forgiven me.  What a small thing it is to forgive my neighbor, to turn the other cheek, to endure all things at the hands of my neighbor or even enemy, so that you might see the love of my Vine.  Don’t thank me for my service, I’m the one thanking my Vine for bring me from death to life

Talk about a message that not only “applies to my life” – it IS my life!  All I want to be is connected to the Vine because then I am the richest man, the most blessed person in all the world, now and for eternity! 

Still looking to be a part of something great?  If today were the last day of your life, would you still want to do what you’re about to do?  It really doesn’t matter what’s on the schedule.  You have a thousand opportunities to bear some great fruit!  The only encouragement for us branches is this – REMAIN IN ME.  More fruitful words have never been spoken! 

Prayer of The Day

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Help us to make this life fruitful, help us to say yes to you every moment of our day, and that we do not seek out will, but yours. Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy, help us to let your light shine through us in this world. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Note

Conversation with Christ: Dear Lord, help me to experience you and your love in prayer. Enable me to foster my relationship with you by listening attentively to your word taught to me authentically by your Church. May my life give validity to my faith and words! How often I hunger after the world’s withered husks that could never satisfy my inner longings! Lord, help me to hunger for you alone, so that I will turn to you and be filled with the comfort and joy of your intimate friendship.