FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B.
28th April 2024
Acts 9:26-31; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8.
Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. A branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine. The metaphor of the vine and the branches describe the nature of the relationship that we have with Jesus. This relationship with the vine adds meaning to life. The authentic Christian life is remaining connected with Jesus, the vine.
The attempt by some to disconnect with the vine is self-destructive. There is no life apart from the vine. Living the Christian virtues apart from Jesus is an effort in futility. Virtue is spiritual while patriotism is political. We create a void each time we separate virtue from the spiritual. There is nothing wrong in expressing good for the love of Jesus. Our love is not to be just words or mere talk, but something real and active. Acknowledging that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches is the firm foundation of our lives. The apostolic affirmation of the conversion of Saul was his preaching in the name of Jesus. Our authenticity lies in our connection with Jesus, the vine.
Fr Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.