The ways through which we can remain in Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 5th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 15:1-8*

*First Reading - Acts 15:1-6*

*The ways through which we can remain in Jesus*

Jesus says *Remain in me, as I remain in you*

*1) Branch can't survive without remaining with the tree*

The survival of the branch depends in its union with the tree. 

When the branch gets separated from the tree, it loses its existence and gradually it dies 

The very moment of separation from the tree itself, is the moment of its death 

*2) In separation both are affected*

When a branch gets separated from the tree, both the branch and the tree are affected 

The branch loses its life and gradually it dies 

The tree which loses its branch also affected in some way. It also loses its total strength

*3) The logic of the tree and branch - is seen in our relationship with Jesus*

The logic of tree and branch is directly applied to our relationship with the Lord

As the tree loses its life, upon the separation, we also lose the aim and purpose of our life, when we are separated from the Lord. 

The branch which is united in the tree, bears much fruit. Likewise one who remains with the Lord also bears much fruit

*4) Remain in me, as I remain in you*

This is a genuine request from the Lord. He is not commanding or threatening, but humbly requesting us to remain with Him 

Jesus is the model for us to remain with the Lord. That's why He says, *As I remain in you* you remain with me 

It is the wish of our Lord, to remain with us. He does not want to leave us. 

If so what is my response? 

*5) The various ways through which I can remain with the Lord*

First of all prayer is one of the basic ways through which we can remain with the Lord. In fact Jesus remained with the Father through the prayer. Prayer includes all our spiritual activities and the celebration of the sacraments 

Secondly living our prayer life in our day today life. The following virtues will help us to live our prayer life in a practical way 

The virtue of forgiveness, humility, compassion, love of the neighbour, sacrifice, truthfulness, justice, sincerity, sharing, generosity, etc 

*6) The ways which separate us from the Lord*

All our sinful habits, evil inclinations, attachment to the worldly things, desire for bodily pleasures etc 

Apart from these our ego, selfish motives, pride, arrogance, anger and other habits also become hurdles for remaining with Lord. 

*What are the ways through which I try to remain with the Lord?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*