Shanborlang Mawrie csc –
Readings: Acts 15:7-21; Jn 15:9-11
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus invites his disciples to abide in Him who is the “True vine” not because he wants to restrict their freedom, but rather He wants them to bear fruits. How is my union with Jesus progressing? Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If anyone remains in me and I in him, he or she will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” The one who does not “remain” in Jesus is like a branch that is thrown away and withers.
In our Christian community, we find many people stop going to church, they stop to pray because whatever they desire, and wish are not fulfilled. It is the crisis of their faith. Imagine, if the source of the water is blocked, how can there be a flow of water? How do we expect to get the fruits if we do not plant the tree? In the same way in our Christian life without Christ, we can do nothing. Nothing is possible unless we remain with Christ.
Jesus knows us that is why he invites us to remain in Him. Our world might offer us knowledge, wealth, position, name, and fame. This is only temporary, but those who remain in Christ will bear much fruit in their day-to-day life. The person will become more generous, kind, loving, and caring to the needs of the neighbour like Jesus who is loving and caring. By our own strength and power, we can do nothing, therefore we need to attach ourselves to the vine in order to bear fruits. We ask the Lord to give us the strength and power to remain in Him.