abide in Christ's love

Good morning sisters and brothers,
Jesus continues his final words to his disciples with this image of a vine and its branches. As Christ's disciples we are only effective or faithful when we stay connected to Christ, our root. Notice that even when we're doing what we should be "bearing fruit," Jesus doesn't lead us to expect comfort or ease. Instead, he says God "prunes" us so we bear more fruit. Elsewhere he warns the disciples they will be hated for his sake. We don't follow Jesus because it's easy, but because with Jesus we find true and abundant life. Spend a little time reflecting on this word Jesus uses repeatedly: "abide." How can you abide in Jesus more fully?

God bless,
Sam

John 15:1-8

”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide 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. 5I 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. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.