May 3, 2015
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 2/3, 2015
Stay in touch is a phrase we use when we anticipate being separated from someone we care about: a child going off to college, a favorite neighbor moving away, a relative or a friend who has a job transfer. When we lose someone’s physical presence we want to at least stay connected in some way. Today it is easier than ever with texting, emailing, cell phones and Facebook. But losing touch still tends to happen over a long period of time.
Today’s gospel reading is all about staying in touch. This reading comes from the part of St. John’s Gospel that is referred to as the Farewell Discourse of Jesus. It takes place at the Last Supper and He is literally saying farewell to his beloved apostles with whom He has shared His life and love for the past three years. He is preparing them for the time when He will no longer be with them…when He returns to the Father.
He uses the wonderful image of the Vine and the Branches to tell them how important it is for them to stay in touch with Him, to remain connected. He says that without that connection, they can do nothing. They will be like a withered branch that has no life – branch that ultimately is cut off and thrown away. But remaining in touch with Him, guarantees life and the ability to spread His word.
If you think about the life of Jesus, He did that every time He went off to the mountain to pray by Himself. He would return and do something significant, like select His twelve Apostles.
The message of the Gospel today is for each of us as well. Jesus reminds us that staying in touch with Him, staying connected, leads us to greater life. Without Him we can do nothing. Sure we can live a normal life from day to day. But with our connection to God, life is meaningful, rich, and gives us direction and hope.
I am the true vine and you are the branches and my father is the vine grower. Remain in me as I remain in you. Stay in touch!