Inability of the Branch

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Fifth Week : Wednesday* 

*Gospel : Jn 15:1-8*

*First Reading : Acts 15:1-6*

*Inability of the Branch*

*1) The Tree and the branches*

When we see a tree, we always find some branches 

A tree with branches always looks beautiful and attractive

These are the two realities, the tree and the branch, always united with each other 

*2) Branch can't remain away from the tree*

There is no way that a branch can survive without the tree. 

A branch which is separated from the tree always, dries up and dies. It can not live any longer 

So the life and future of the branch always depends on the tree

*3) Tree can produce new branches, but branch can't produce new tree*

A separated branch can't produce new tree (Unless the branch is planted once again in the soil, and the branch which has the capacity to take roots in the soil) 

So the life of the separated branch always is in question mark 

But the tree has the capacity to produce new branches and make itself beautiful and attractive

So the tree does not lose anything. But the separated branch loses everything

*4) Jesus is the vine (tree) we are the branches*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches 

Unless we remain united with the vine, we can produce nothing

So our strength and life depends only on the vine, who is Jesus 

One who remain united with Jesus can bear much fruit. One who separates himself/herself from Jesus, can bear nothing and destroys ones life  

*5) The ways of remaining united with Jesus*

As branches we can remain united with Jesus through the following ways 

Prayer helps is to remain united with the Lord

Service, humility, simplicity, forgiveness, charity, empathy, sincerity, generosity, co-operation, love, concern, encouragement, etc helps us to remain united with the Lord

The celebration of the sacraments help us to remain united with the Lord

Unless we remain with the Lord, we are nothing

*6) What is my Tendency?*

Is my tendency to remain united with the Lord? 

Is my tendency to get separated from the tree to show the power of the branch? 

As a branch do I act or like a tree??

Do I have a wrong concept and notion of the Branch? 

How can u rectify it? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*