April 28
Fifth Sunday of Easter
“I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.”
Readings
Reflection
The readings this weekend speak to the importance of remaining in Jesus as we go about our lives in this world. We must remember that everything we do will be much more fruitful if we do it in the Lord. If we go to work, we are more peace-filled and joyful if we go to work in Jesus. If we talk to our neighbors and friends, we will get more out of our conversations if we hold them in Jesus. Once we recognize the bountiful nature of doing things in Jesus, the only question that remains is this; how can we learn to do things in Jesus? This question is answered by looking at our readings for today.
Our first reading sees Saul after his conversion on the road to Damascus. The disciples still feared him, but Barnabas speaks on his behalf, and they accept him. He now is working to build up the Kingdom of God rather than tearing it down–a much more fruitful pursuit. In the second reading, John reduces the commandments to two basic instructions: belief in Christ and love of neighbor. John tells us that if we keep these two commandments we will continue to be safely attached to the vine of Jesus. In our gospel reading, Jesus tells us of the benefits of being connected to his vine; those of us who believe in Christ will be cared for by God. He tells us that those who ignore him will wither and be gathered up for burning as rubbish. Only if we believe in him can we achieve eternal happiness, bearing much fruit and giving glory to God.
Our time is filled with the things that we do to make our way in the world. We work, we play, we interact with each other so we can bring the good things of life to ourselves and our families. How much more abundant can the blessings of life be when we do these things in Jesus, rather than without him? As he tells us, he is the vine, and we are the branches. Everything we do in our lives will be much more fruitful if we do them with Jesus. Let us seek to remain connected to his vine–and to each other.
Peace,
Deacon Dare
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