Our gospel for today is from John 15:1-8 which talks about Jesus as the vine of life.

Gospel: John 15:1-8

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Reflection:

There are actually three mentions in our gospel that symbolize three things as well. First, Jesus as the vine, God the Father the vine-grower and branch. So, how are these three things intertwined with each other?

Jesus is the vine of life whom we need. Without Him., we are nothing. We are the branches who depend on the vine, we depend on Jesus. God the Father is the grower, the propagator. God the Father removes the branches that bear no fruit and throw it on the fire to burn. This is what our gospel in John 15:1-8 is telling us.

Our life here on earth is like those branches on the vine. We need to believe and trust in Jesus and always live in His name. If we follow Jesus, we will bear much fruit. Like our gospel in John 15:1-8 says, “those who abide in me will bear much fruit.” This means to keep up with the teachings of the Lord. Those who failed to follow Jesus will bear no fruit and discarded.

While we live here in this temporary world, let us try to be the good branches who will propagate more fruits. The main purpose of living is to share the wonders of God through charity and penance. Obedience is one virtue that we need as well. Without obedience, we can’t heed with the teachings of our Jesus.

The gospel today reminds us of our total independence with Jesus. The very core of our existence is to our connection to Jesus. The main purpose of life is to unite ourselves with the Lord. We should not stop doing things for the glory of God. This message will pass through the next generations to come in the name of Jesus, our savior. – Clea | Helpline PH