Breaking the Word

…I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. (Jn 15:1-8 )

Jesus speaks about the intimate relationship that should exist between him and his disciples. In fact they should cultivate such a relationship. The branches that decide it ‘go it alone’ will soon wither and die. They are good for nothing but for fire to be burned to ashes.

How doe we remain in him? We must remain in the community that knows and loves him and celebrates him as the Lord. There is no such thing as solitary Christian. As a follower of Jesus we can never ‘go it alone’. We must make sure to be in touch, in tune with Jesus, knowing him and being known by him.

In this belonging, we must be ready for the pruning knife of the Gardner (Father). The Gardner is close to the vine and its branches when he prunes. Pruning is a must for producing good quality grapes. Also pruning is done to focus their energy towards the light. Pruning is also done to avoid the plant getting entangled with in itself. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go. (Jn 14:27-31)

Jesus is speaking to his disciples and contrasts them with the world. Could we say that all that is not with Jesus, belong to this idea called ‘world’? The world does not love Jesus and does not know Jesus and does not keep his word.

He promises peace to his disciples. By disciple we mean all those who hold fast to Jesus and do not compromise with the world. The peace that he gives is a gift given to the disciples and this peace will assure them of his presence, support and knowledge of the Father. 

The ruler of this world is the dark power. This ruler has no power over Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection will inflict a huge wound on this rule. Jesus could win over the dark power because of his love for the Father. Disciples are shown this as a model. Love for the Father is the strength which makes Jesus to fight against the dark powers. With this example Jesus asks his disciples go to meet the dark powers.(Get up. Let us go)