5th Sunday of Easter (“B”)
May 6, 2012

Q. 683: Can we draw new insights from these gospel images?

A. 683: Of all the metaphors used in the gospels, the image of the vine and branches is one of the most meaningful and easiest to understand for just about everyone (John 15:1-8). Because of its clarity and simplicity, it is also one that can easily be taken for granted and be casually dismissed because of its familiarity. Please don’t fall into the trap. Instead, take a new look at the image. Every meditation will give us new insights.

It is all about our life-giving relationship with God, and the fruit that must flow from that bond. A few words are key to our understanding. First, Jesus Christ tells us that He is the true vine. There are many “vines” out there from which we can choose to draw our strength; but only our relationship with Jesus, the true vine, will enable us to produce fruit that is in keeping with the will of our Father in heaven.

What is this “fruit”? Jesus himself summed up the entire scriptures when he gave us the dual commands to love God and love our neighbor. If we are not forgiving and loving, then we are not bearing “fruit,” because mercy and love are the spiritual harvest of treasures that flow from the true vine, Jesus Christ. This harvest of love will not flow spontaneously from within us if we are not “in relationship” with Jesus, if we are not tending to our spiritual journey.

So: ask yourself very pointedly how your daily prayer life is going. Do you even have a daily prayer life, or do you allot only a few scant minutes to Jesus? How can you “abide in Him” if you do not meditate on the daily Mass scripture readings? Do you spend more time on your cell phone and/or TV than you do with Jesus? Which is the priority that will last into eternity?

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! You can easily find the daily scripture readings on the internet here "(Daily Readings)", or use the Missalette or other resource. Jesus is inviting each one of us into intimate communion with him (CCC 787). We must respond, either accepting or rejecting his invitation! Do I need pruning?

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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