The importance of Unity and Interconnectedness

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 5th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 15:1-8*

*First Reading - Acts 9:26-31*

*Second Reading - 1 Jn 3:18-24*

*The importance of Unity and Interconnectedness*

*1) Beautiful image of Vine and the Branches*

In today's Gospel we have this beautiful image of vine and the branches 

First of all this image highlights the importance of unity and interconnectedness in order to bear fruit

In the process of yielding the fruit the unity and interconnectedness between the vine and branches is very much necessary

*2) The need of unity and interconnectedness*

First of all for the grow the branches and the vine depends on the unity and interconnectedness

Secondly only unity and interconnectedness finally will help the plant to yield fruit 

Wherever there is a lack of unity and interconnectedness, either the plant does not grow properly or finally it fails to yield any fruit 

*3) Vine and the Branches and the Christian Spirituality*

Jesus directly connects the image of the vine and branches to our spiritual life 

All the things which we see in the vine and branches are equally important and applicable to our life 

The aspect of unity and interconnectedness which is found in the vine and the branches is equally needed in our spiritual life 

The moment our spiritual life lacks the unity and interconnectedness, we fail to bear any fruit  

*4) The areas of unity and interconnectedness in Christian Spirituality*

First of all it highlights our unity and interconnectedness with divine/Jesus 

Unless we are united with Jesus we can bear no fruit 

Secondly this unity and interconnectedness with our neighbour, which is very necessary to recognise the presence of Jesus 

Thirdly the unity and interconnectedness with the self/Conscience, which is needed evaluate our own life and to take the right path 

Fourthly the unity and interconnectedness needed with the nature in which I live. This will help us to respect and preserve the nature and to grow in our life 

*5) Various ways of bringing unity and the interconnectedness*

First of all the aspect of prayer and other spiritual activities will help us to bring about this unity and interconnectedness with the divine 

Secondly the service, generosity, love, care, concern, sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, mutual respect and support will help us to bring about this unity and interconnectedness with the neighbour.

Thirdly the examination of the conscience will help us to deepen the internal unity and interconnectedness with the self 

*6) The power of unity and interconnectedness*

In todays Gospel Jesus clearly says that *If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.*

So our prayers are answered only when we are interconnected to the divine 

Without this unity and interconnectedness our prayer becomes useless and futile

Where as when we are united with the divine our prayers directly reach to its goal and they help us to bear much fruit 

*7) My life and the image of vine and the branches*

How do I look at this image and my own life 

We understand the importance of unity and interconnectedness between vine and branches in order to bear fruit 

Am I convinced that the same image is also very important to my life and to my relationship with Jesus 

Unless we apply this image to our life and work for the unity and interconnectedness with the divine we will fail to bear any fruit and without bearing any fruit we can never enter to eternal life 

*Just think about it* 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*