Without me, you can do nothing!

Readings: 1st: Acts 15:1-6; Ps: 122; Gos John 15:1-8

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is Wednesday of the fourth week of Easter. As Christ prepares to leave his disciple and return to the Father, he gives them the key and secret of survival.

This demonstrates how much he cares for them, and for their wellbeing. It also demonstrates how much he understood the tough times that awaits them after his departure. So, he is equipping them for the future.

First, he has promised them the Holy Spirit. Now he is reminding them of a truth he has repeated several times to them: “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.”

So, the secret to eternal life is remaining in Christ. The secret of success is also remaining in his church. The secret of conquering this dangerous time is, remaining firmly in Christ the true vine that comes from God, the Father.

Many of us have separated themselves from God, but have attached themselves firmly to this world. Instead of building their foundation on their Creator, they have built it on worldly things.

Jesus also leaves us with a warning of what seems to be the consequences of not remaining in him, as he remained in the Father. The consequence is twofold.

The first is that, whoever (the branch), that does not remain in him (the vine and source of life), will not bear fruit. This is because, it has no source of life, and therefore cannot survive on its own.

The second is that, any branch that does not bear fruit shall be pruned. Pruning is painful. However, it is necessary. It purifies the vine, and makes more viable branches to bear more fruits.

So, let ask God, to grant us the grace to remain firm in Christ our vine, so that we may bear good and abundant fruits that will last. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!