Dare to Live Fully

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. - Nelson Mandela: (1918 – 2013: was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.)

Gospel Text: (JN 15:1-8)

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.

He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,

and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.

You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.

Remain in me, as I remain in you.

Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own

unless it remains on the vine,

so neither can you unless you remain in me.

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."

We often wonder if our lives will make a difference or if our attempts to do good really matter. And yet, Jesus assures us: “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit…” So what are we waiting for? If Christ lives in us and acts through us, then whether we see it or not, we are bringing the love, mercy, justice, and compassion of God to others. We are changing people’s lives and transforming the world. We are helping build the kingdom of God. And, as today’s gospel reminds us, we are glorifying God.