FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B.
29th April 2018.
Acts 9:26-31; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8.
The self is discovered in relationship and not in the labor of individual professions. Imitation, the vehicle of learning is possible through relationship. Happiness and joy is found in relationship. We are created for each other, and life is not possible without relationship. The Holy Spirit animates human relationship, giving it the vigor and the vitality it requires to keep us together. Today’s reason allude to the source of human and flourishing. The vine, the branches and the vinedresser is a subtle way of describing the source of our joy.
Rooted in Jesus Christ the vine is the foundation of flourishing. The source of joy and fulfilment is found in the union with Jesus Christ. To remain in him like the branch is to remain to the source of true joy and fulfilment. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me, you can do nothing. The sustainability of good works relies totally on rootedness in Jesus Christ. The consolation of the Holy Spirit sustained the early church as we see in the first reading according to the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit invigorates the heart towards love. This invigoration does not come from just having a good job!
The clarion call by the church is to remain rooted in the love of Christ; to remain as a true branch ready to be invigorated to bear even more fruits. The Holy Spirit animates and sustains the relationship of self-discovery.
Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.
