William Selvaraj csc –
Readings: Acts 15:1-6; Jn 15: 1-8
The gospel passage of the day clearly portrays the relationship between the branch and the vine. As Christians, we are known for unity and having a good relationship with oneself, others, and God. From my childhood, I was pruned each day by the gardener through my parents at home, my teachers at school and my superiors in seminary formation. Each time they pruned me, it was really painful.
Sometimes I thought for a while and became happy that they corrected as I made mistakes. If I were not to get pruned in time, I do not know how I would have been. The pruning makes me bear fruit in being intimate with Jesus through my personal and other spiritual activities of the house and makes me live the life of Jesus joyfully by embracing the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience in the congregation of Holy Cross.
Jesus in a way invites me to embrace him like a child hugging the mother. We cannot be effective Christians without being in union with Jesus. A personal question I want to ask, “Do you want to remain in Jesus and be fruitful in your mission?”
The open options are given to you and me. If one does not remain in Jesus, we can face the consequence of being thrown away and cut off from Jesus. If we remain close to him, we can relate with others and oneself easily. As long as Jesus is present in me, I can face any situations in my life with courage and confidence. Let us pray that we may be united in the love of Jesus and likewise, show that unity to people around us.