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April 26, 2021Readings: Acts 9:26-31; Psalm 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8
During the Easter season, the Scriptures remind us of all that God has in store for those who have been redeemed through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, especially that Jesus’ Resurrection holds the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Christ. This week’s Gospel presents us with the image of the sheepfold where we can live in safety, security and abundance. Next Sunday’s gospel presents us with another image, that of the vine and the branches. This speaks to the “abundant fruit” God desires for us and makes available to us if we stay connected to His Son. It is an easy contrast to the futility of “chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2: 17-26) that worldly pursuits offer.
During the Easter season, we can reflect upon the great gifts of faith, hope and love with which Christ’s Resurrection so powerfully and dramatically blesses us. Each time we gather to worship and look around the Church, we can take great comfort in knowing that there are so many other sisters and brothers who share our spiritual journey and with whom we are united in the Lord. We are where we belong. We are attached not only to Christ but to all who make up the Body of Christ. Obviously that same comfort and security was not always readily available in the early days of the Church, as presented in the readings during the Easter season from the Acts of the Apostles. Just imagine, if you will, how uncomfortable you might have been back in those days if Paul, one of your chief persecutors and who was present at the stoning of Steven, the first martyr, showed up and asked to join the congregation. Surely we would have trust issues and question whether or not he belongs. As we journey together, we, like the early apostles, can find the comfort and strength that comes from the solidarity of knowing that we, like our sisters and brothers, find our source of life as loving branches firmly attached to Christ the True Vine.
For further reflection on the intimate nature of the connection God wishes to have with us, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1718-1724; on the theological virtues we need to develop to lovingly connect ourselves more closely to God, see paragraphs 1812-1829; and on the fruit of living attached to Christ see paragraph 736.- God desires that we be as intimately connected to Him as a vine is to its branches. What can I do to enhance my connection to the love of the Father through my relationship with Jesus? How is my practice of the faith fruitful? When do I find myself chasing after worldly pursuits?
- The Church and its teachings help us to know and stay connected to the Living Christ. How does my life in the Church help to strengthen my connection to Christ?
- What can I do in the weeks ahead to share the spiritual virtues of faith, hope and love with my family, friends, parish and community?