Fifth Sunday of Easter
In today’s gospel passage, Jesus tells us, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” This is a beautiful thought, that we are connected to Christ, and that his life flows into us and gives us a share in his Divine life. We shouldn’t think of this as being metaphorical. Rather, it is very real. This life that he shares with us is what prepares us to live with him eternally in heaven. And it is what enables us to live a fulfilling, and truly human life here and now.
He also tells us to remain in him, and that those who don’t remain in him will wither and be thrown out. How do we remain in him? First of all, through the sacraments, especially those two that we are encouraged to receive regularly: holy communion and confession. In holy communion we are fed and nourished by Christ himself with his holy Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, so that his life is in us, healing us and strengthening us. In confession our sins are forgiven, we are reconciled with God, and the wounds of sin are healed.
We also need to pray daily. Prayer means, first of all, lifting our hearts and minds to God. Sometimes we are afraid to do this because we don’t know what to say or are afraid we will do it poorly. But in God’s eyes, none of this matters! God simply wants us to open our hearts to Him. Once we do this God will draw close to us. And if we are willing and we let Him, he will teach us how to stay close to Him and how to be ever more open to Him. God will make sure that whatever we need to be close to Him and draw closer to Him will come into our lives.
Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections