First Reading: Acts 9:26-31
Reflection:
This account in Acts follows Paul’s dramatic conversion to Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul, formerly known as Saul, had been a severe persecutor of the early Christians, standing by with approval as Stephen was stoned, becoming the first Christian martyr. But when Saul encountered the risen Lord, he became Paul and not only stopped persecuting Christians but publicly preached the message of Christ. After his time in Damascus, he returned to Jerusalem and sought out the disciples. Understandably, they were all afraid of him, suspicious that he was trying to deceive them. When they were finally convinced, Paul joined them in spreading the message of Christ. The complete transformation he underwent is evidenced by the fact that he risked his life to preach the gospel. Paul went from persecutor to persecuted. And, as we know, Paul went on to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, founding many churches around the Mediterranean and authoring many books of the New Testament. His life evidences the amazing, transformative power of God.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:18-24
Reflection:
Actions speak louder than words. Have you ever heard that phrase? In this Sunday’s second reading, the Apostle John teaches us that love must be expressed “in deed and truth.” It is one thing to say “I love you”–it is another to live that out. True love, based on God’s love, is not merely a feeling or nice sentiment. It is always active and rooted in the truth. God is the one who reveals to us the truth, for He is the very definition of truth. In order to truly love, we must follow God’s commandments. Love is, in essence, actively willing the good of another for their sake. There is nothing selfish in true, active love. In fact, sometimes loving others means we need to humbly speak the hard truth to them. This can be challenging and unpopular, but God calls us to share the truth in love so that people can ultimately be drawn closer to Him who is love and truth. How is all this possible? Because Christ dwells within us! As will be reiterated in the gospel reading, our call is to “remain in him.” Let us, therefore, unite ourselves to Christ and let him teach us how to love.
Gospel Reading: John 15:1-8
Reflection:
This agricultural illustration expressed by Jesus reveals much about our relationship with Him. At baptism, we are grafted onto the vine of Christ. That means we become one with Him. But will we bear fruit? Just because we are a branch on the vine (i.e. baptized) does not automatically mean we will. We can become dead branches if we don’t allow the life of Christ to flow in us. We must remain in Christ in order to bear fruit. What does that look like? Remaining in Christ involves work. Just like a vine does not bear fruit without being carefully tended, we will not bear fruit spiritually without carefully tending our relationship with Christ. Sometimes we need to be pruned by having unnecessary parts of our lives (particularly, sin) trimmed off. Thus, one way to remain in Christ and bear fruit is by regular repentance and confession. Additionally, regular prayer, reading of Scripture, participation in the sacraments, etc. are central. Prayer and Scripture reading are like the rain needed for the vine to grow. The grace received in the sacraments is like the necessary sunlight. All are essential. Without Christ, we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. Let us, therefore, remain in Him so that we can bear much fruit!
Application:
- Reflect on your spiritual life. What fruit is visible? Would you consider yourself to be a healthy “branch” on the vine? If not, what action do you need to take to grow and bear fruit?
