Word to the Wise
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 - 5th Week of Easter - Wed
[Acts 15:1-6 and John 15:1-8,361]"Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."
MAY 5 ST. VINCENT FERRER, O.P.
Sunday's gospel scripture re-appears today. (The daily scriptures are on a different schedule.) The vine and branches relationship becomes the pivotal reality in Christian life. The repetitive use of the word "remain" always captures my attention because it speaks to the experience of friendship.
St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that the best human analogy for the relationship between God and human is friendship. A true friend desires the best for a friend and God desires the best for us. In turn we respond in love to God and live out that love with our neighbor. I know from my own experience that my closest friends "remain" in me and are part of my life to the extent that I cannot imagine their absence! It is this kind of relationship that can motivate the "bearing of fruit" in everyday faith. As with all kinds of friendship, this means an effort to keep the relationship strong and steady on an everyday basis. The farewell address at the Last Supper was meant to assure the disciples that Jesus would "remain" in them if they "remain" in him. His physical absence would continue by the presence of the Holy Spirit and by the Eucharistic celebration.
The old hymn says it well, "What a friend we have in Jesus!" Is that how we see him? AMEN