WHERE DOES LIFE COME FROM.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER. YEAR B.
May 10, 2009.
(First reading: Acts 9:26-31) (Psalm 22:26-32)
(Second reading: 1 John 3:18-24) (Gospel: John 15:1-8)


WHERE DOES
LIFE COME FROM.

In the parable of the vine and the branches, Jesus presents himself as the source of life from which all forms of life have their origin. Nothing can live unless it draws its life from God.

Human society will be alive only if it takes its life from God:
A society where people do not destroy each other is alive because it partakes in God's peace.

A society which abides by equality among its members is alive because it partakes in the equality of the Trinitarian God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

A society whose members live in unity is alive because it follows the example of Jesus who made himself one with humanity.

A society where everyone is treated as being the image of God is alive because it follows the truth and justice of God.

Those human societies are the "branches", able "to glorify the Lord for generations yet to come" (Psalm 22:32), to "bear much fruit", to "become disciples of Jesus" (John 15:8).

The First Letter of John tells us that in order to remain in the vine we must "love in deed and truth and not merely talk about it". (1 John 3:18).

A society which fails to draw its life from God will be "cut off from the vine and thrown out into the fire".

If we remain in the Vine, "whatever we ask of God, it will be done for us" (John 15:7); for what belongs to the Vine, also belongs to the branches.