Jesus said, “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.”
The image of the vine communicates the risen Jesus’ sustaining love for the Christian community. Disciples tap into the common vein of life that runs through the vine, branching throughout history and spreading throughout the world. Eight times in Sunday’s gospel Jesus repeats the word abide. It means to remain with, to continue in mutual relationship.
As disciples who believe God raised up Jesus from the dead, we bear fruit through living out our faith in God’s life-giving power and promise of Jesus’ resurrection. The image of the vine calls us to bear fruit in our season.
In what relationships do you abide? How do they help you understand your relationship with Jesus and with God?
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