CUT OFF FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING, SAYS THE LORD(Acts 15:1-6/Psalm 122:1-5/John 15:1-8)

CUT OFF FROM ME, YOU CAN DO NOTHING, SAYS THE LORD

(Wednesday, May 22, 2019)

One of the most difficult things to change in life is our habits. Our habits may range from the way we put on a shirt, to the way we talk, to the way we come to church and select the pew we sit on. To form a habit goes with many repetitions. And from a habit, we may develop a notion and say that that's the way we have always done it, and even to the extent of making a slogan out of it e.g. "That's the way it should be done!" Such a situation happened even in the early Church when Jewish Christians tried to impose Jewish religious practices like circumcision on the Gentile Christians, as we heard in the 1st reading. It was simply a case of traditional habits and conservative slogans trying to make an impact. Even habits can change, even principles can change.

But in order to change so as to live a meaningful and fruitful life, there is one absolute that we must adhere to. We must remain in Jesus and let His living Word slowly prune our minds and our hearts of rigid habits and notions that create obstacles in our lives and for others. In today's Gospel, Jesus encourages us to abide in Him. What does it mean to abide in Him? Our thoughts, words and actions need to be aligned to what is true, good and pleasing to God.

Just as branches cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, there can be no fruit in our lives without Him. If we distance ourselves from Jesus, we cannot be good, faithful, generous or patient. Without Him, we cannot know the joy and peace that only Christ can bring. Bearing good fruit oftentimes requires pruning. Pruning of so many bad habits we have formed and checkmating negative traditions existing among us that do not help us or others to grow in faith.

The Lord promises, however, that we will bear much fruit if we abide in him and allow him to purify us. Do you trust the Lord's guidance and wisdom in your life? Whatever difficult situation you may be facing, if you abide in Him, believe that the ultimate vinedresser will help you bear healthy fruit. Without Jesus, and cut off from Him, we can't change for any better.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, give me grace to abide in you always so that I will bear good fruits for you. Amen.