Homily on John 15:1,6-16
John 15:1,6-16
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 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. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.
Dear Folks,
In this Gospel reading from Saint John, Jesus gives us a powerful and beautiful image: He is the true vine, and we are the branches. This image speaks to the very essence of our relationship with Christ, a relationship of intimate connection and life-giving sustenance.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower." Jesus establishes himself as the source of life, the foundation upon which our spiritual lives are built. The Father, the vinegrower, tends to the vine, pruning and caring for it, ensuring it bears abundant fruit.
But Jesus also warns us of the consequences of separation: "Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." This is a stark reminder that our connection to Christ is not optional. It is essential for our spiritual survival. To be disconnected from the vine is to wither and die, to lose our purpose and our fruitfulness.
Conversely, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This is the promise of a life lived in close communion with Christ. When we abide in Him, His words become our guide, His love becomes our strength, and our prayers become powerful instruments of His will.
"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." Our fruitfulness is not for our own glory, but for the glory of God. The fruit we bear – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – are signs of our discipleship, evidence of our connection to the vine.
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." Jesus's love for us is a reflection of the Father's love for Him, a love that is boundless, unconditional, and eternal. We are called to abide in that love, to dwell in it, to let it permeate every aspect of our lives.
"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love."
"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." Jesus desires our joy, a joy that is not fleeting or superficial, but deep and lasting, a joy that comes from knowing and loving Him.
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." This is the ultimate expression of love, a love that is sacrificial, a love that is willing to give everything. Jesus demonstrated this love on the cross, and He calls us to do the same.
"You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." Jesus elevates us from the status of servants to the status of friends. He shares His Father's secrets with us, trusting us to carry on His work.
"You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name." Our calling is not a result of our own merit, but of God's grace. We are chosen, appointed, and empowered to bear fruit that will endure.
This Gospel reading is a call to intimacy, a call to abide in Christ, to let His love flow through us, and to bear fruit that will glorify God. It is a reminder that our lives are not our own, but belong to the One who chose us, the One who loves us, the One who is the true vine. Let us strive to remain connected to Him, to let His words guide us, and to let His love transform us. Amen.
O God, the source of all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Love,
+Br'er Abbot
