Reflection for Sunday May 2, Fifth Sunday of Easter: John 15:1-8

Gospel: John 15:1-8

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.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about two neighbors: one had a bright and positive disposition in life the other one was always gloomy and negative in whatever aspects of life that he deals with. Delving deeper into their lifestyles, the positive one always makes it a point to attend Holy Mass and he has a healthy prayer life. The other one was a non-believer. 

Jesus says in the gospel that he is the true vine and God is his vine grower, he tells us to remain in him so that he would remain in us and we will bear much fruit if we would always be with him (John 15:4). 

If we would observe the lives of our fellow men and women we will obviously notice that those who have incorporated a lifestyle that is always attuned and connected with God regardless of his religious affiliations and social standing are those that live peaceful and serene lives. Those who are not connected with God are those that lead complicated and problematic lives. 

As we pass through this temporary life it is a must that that we are always connected with our true vine that is Jesus. Of course there would still be challenges, disappointments and even sufferings once in a while. Why? Because all of these are part and parcel of our lives. Amidst all of these Jesus is assuring us that He would always be there for us if we would consciously make an effort to always be connected with Him. 

Do you always see to it that you are always connected with the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas