Start each morning by having a conversation with Him about some passage of Scripture and the day ahead. "I am the vine and you are the branches. (Comp. Apple of My Eye. In todays Gospel reading, Jesus explains all of this using a metaphor from nature: Abide in me as I abide in you. He, she, it, they, them, same. We are the body of Christ, and He is the head. His latest book is Heroic: The Surprising Path to True Manhood. His greatest claim to fame is being married to Heidi for 34 years and having two amazing daughters. One Minute Reflection 7 May The Memorial of St Stanislas (1030-1079) Bishop and Martyr Wisdom 5:1-5, John 15:1-7. The point is, as Christians, our lives are nourished, strengthened, and find their identity and purpose in Jesus, the True Vine. It's a simple but rich image. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Christ is the true vine (Gospel). He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. The other place in the New Testament that describes something parallel to remaining in Jesus is Pauls letters. Ask yourself, Where was I remaining today? Then talk to Jesus about your desire to remain more in Him. Nothing. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. In this reading the image of the vine is used to show that it is in drawing strength from Jesus that Christians can bear fruit in faith and good works. 15 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. You. 2. Jesus first mentions that He is the vine a few verses earlier: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener (John 15:1). We owe earth care not just because its in our self-interest, although it surely is, and so we must; but also because she is the beloved medium of Gods self-showing, the indispensable partner of Gods adoring attention to us, the one who reveals the Holy One to our senses, in beauty, in nourishment, in joy. (LogOut/ rights reserved. How can you derive more strength from the vine which is Christ? It is translated in different ways: to stay, to abide, to live, to live in union. He also, by his work as Mediator, gives life to the world John 6:33, and it is by the same grace and agency that it is continued in the Christian. Here Christ is teaching the same Truth, by calling Himself the Vine, since the Vine is the parent of its branches and provides their nourishment. This development of the image invites us to consider the consequences of a refusal to be nourished by the kindness of God. John 15:5. Fr Graffy is a past director ofBrentwoods Commission for Evangelisation and Formation and parish priest of Christ the Eternal High Priest in Gidea Park, Essex. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. Kindly help more people in their Christian life by liking our page and inviting your family, friends and relatives to do so as well. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. It would be unthinkable to suggest that a branch has an identity apart from the tree from which it grows. This is so in line with the way Jesus taught throughout His ministry, taking everyday items as analogies for Kingdom truths. With his image of the vine and branches, Jesus is calling us away from all that, to a different kind of identity, relationship, and vocation. Properly, apart from me. Start for FREE. To live with Christ is to bear fruit. Fourth, as Jesus points out earlier in the passage, if we are branches of his vine, we must be ready to be pruned: . REFLECTION The Lord calls Himself the Vine and those united to Him, branches, in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with Him and, how important it is for us, to remain in His Love. Jesus is the vine, thetrue source of lifefor us believers. The image is powerful, but how does one stay connected this way? In Communion, its wheat and grape. The key action is to remain. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. 4. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can donothing. The symbol of the vine is found frequently in the Old Testament. What kind of vine was Jesus speaking about here? Its an irreplaceable gift to our whole selves, mediating divine healing and peace to every part. If we dont remain in Jesus, we are just remaining somewhere elseinanxiety, in anger, in fear, in shame, in ambition, in numbness, in self-absorption. And thats a good thing. Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with Himself and with God the Father because they have been united to Him by faith and determination to do His will in all things. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. Nothing is to be done "without Christ"; without his Spirit, grace, strength, and presence; or as "separate from" him. I am the vine; you are the branches. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. But we were not created to be self-sufficient. This is exactly how we should see Jesus words in John 15:5. We see hence: 1. that to him is due all the praise for all the good works the Christian performs. Through the Eucharistic sacrifice, God makes us partakers of his divinity (Prayer over the offerings). 15:5). This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. God intends us to be mindful of him and to pray without ceasing. Through these earthy things the grace of loving Pesence materializes. The words have often been unduly pressed, to exclude all moral power apart from Christ, whereas the whole context limits them to the fruit-bearing of the Christian life. I am the vine, you are the branches. Abide in me as I abide in you. 3. . 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. We are not the only stewards of Gods creation. To also, I too, but I. Ask yourself, Where was I remaining today? Then talk to Jesus about your desire to remain more in Him. He and his wife currently reside in Franklin, TN. How important do you consider it is to belong to the vine of Christ? 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. This text was not in the old lectionaries as far as I can tell so, for . . The words bring out the fulness of the meaning of the fruitfulness of the man who abides in Christ. Used by permission. Yet with all the horror facing Him, He still wants to prepare the disciples for His departure as best He can. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. I like to state it this way: If you stay at home in me and I stay at home in you, you will bear much fruit. Jesus is to be so much a part of our daily existence that He feels like home. Without me ye can do nothing - The expression "without me" denotes the same as separate from me. I, the first-person pronoun. "I AM THE TRUE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES." 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER (B): "I AM THE TRUE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES." Being a Christian is equivalent to being called to bear fruits of holiness. New International Version (NIV). Jesus is implying that He isthe vine from which all life comes, that He is indeed God as the Son. Thanks in advance and God bless you and your loved ones! We were created to live connected to God and to each other. It was a false vine. Who Is the Beast in Revelation 13, and Have We Met Him Yet? We are in such close proximity to Him that when He died on the cross, we died with Him, and when He rose from the dead, we did as well into a new life (see Romans 6:1-10). BEAUTIFUL PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION WITH PARTIAL INDULGENCE. The process of growth and of bearing fruit is watched over by the Father, to whom the vine belongs. Jesus is the true vine. John 14-17is often calledthe Last SupperDiscourse because it was His last time of teaching with the twelve disciples. In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles we hear of Pauls attempts to join the Christian community after his conversion. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. You are already clean through the word which I have spoken to you. It is his words that should always guide our lives. 3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing., KJV I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing., NKJV I am the vine, you are the branches. Among his publications are the Gospel of Mark and the Letter to the Romans (Alive Publishing). Such is the relationship between Christians and Jesus. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular. 2003 - 2023 Brentwood Diocesan Trust - Registered Charity No. 3. that the reason why others fail of being holy is because they are unwilling to look to him, and seek grace and strength from him who alone is able to give it. Our whole life is dependent on staying connected to Him, remaining in Him (see1 Corinthians 12:12-27). I. ye can do nothingspiritually, acceptably. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Yet with all the horror facing Him, He still wants to prepare the disciples for His departure as best He can. Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular. We arent just doing good things for others. (LogOut/ Be still. WHAT IS HOLINESS ACCORDING TO CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? GAIN A PLENARY INDULGENCE TODAY. The Old Testament allusions make it fairly clear that this was a grapevine, often used for making wine. "I am the vine; you are the branches. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural. This site, which is now using the Traditional Calendar, will mainly concentrate on Daily Prayers, Novenas and the Memorials and Feast Days of our friends in Heaven, the Saints who went before us and the great blessings the Church provides in our Catholic Monthly Devotions. First, again, if we belong to this vine, our growth, fruitfulness, and our very life is informed, empowered, and nourished by Jesus life and teachings. At first glance, we may assume that branches bear fruit, but in another sense, its really the vine that makes it all happen. He is the vine from which all power flows for the life of his people, the branches. Compare John 1:3; Ephesians 2:12. We arent just believing a set of truths. Ask Jesus, What do you want to say to me? Jesus is always trying to speak to us, but often we do not take the time to listen. Its often words of great importance, words that reveal the deep loves and concerns of the heart. 12 SINS WHICH MUST BE CONFESSED FIRST BEFORE RECEIVING COMMUNION. Its his catchword, a simple two-word expression continuously repeated without apology: in Christ. He destroys every branch in me which does not bear fruit; and he cleanses every branch which does bear fruit, so that it may bear more fruit. 87 views, 1 likes, 13 loves, 180 comments, 8 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Greater True Vine Church: GTV Church Service When Jesus says that He is the vine, it is the last of a series of statements He makes in the gospel of John using the same form: I am the Bread of life, I am the Good Shepherd, I am the Resurrection and the Life.. Earth and heaven are not opposites, and the more entwined we are in each other, the healthier and more fruitful we become. Its a simple but rich image. and every breeze that makes the meadows sing. Many of us are urbanites, having left the life of the farm. Such a simple statement, yet you can spend a lifetime plumbing the depths of it. But listening to it and reading it today, I felt that Christ is not referring to that at all, and how human/animalistic it was of me to think of it that way before. Jesus said, "I am the True Vine" to closest friends gathered around Him. a 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes * so that it bears more fruit. For healing, anointing oil. Remaining in Jesus is not just one of many things we are asked to do as Jesus-followers. The words bring out the fulness of the meaning of the fruitfulness of the man who abides in Christ. He taught for over 20 years in St Johns Seminary in Wonersh, and is Chair of the National Scripture Working Group, which is an instrument of the Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Charles Cardinal Journet (1891-1975) Lets explore its meaning. Read full chapter John 15:5 in all English translations John 14 John 16 New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version. and lead us, to where we had not expected to go. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects. Then be still for a few moments. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. In this way we will exhibit all the fruit there is, guided by God, and having put to death the works of the flesh (Ro 8:13). A Prayer for Faith That God Wants to Answer, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Let's read verse 5 together. the quiet winter rest, the surge of spring; we eat the summers heat, the cloud and rain. The Brentwood Diocesan Trust cannot accept responsibility for the content of external links. The key action is to remain. For without me ye can do nothing.Better, separate from Me, or, apart from Me. Thought for the Day 18 April A Life ofFervour, Quote/s of the Day 18 April Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified. Required fields are marked *. Moreover, A CHRISTIAN WHO REALLY LOVES CHRIST, WANTS WHAT HE WANTS. Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. A moral power outside the limits of Christianity is clearly recognised in the New Testament. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. Its his catchword, a simple two-word expression continuously repeated without apology: in Christ. Prayer is what the world needs combined with the example of our lives which testify to the Light of Christ. 3:14). To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. 3 You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you. The point is: there is such interconnectedness that while we are doing the work, Jesus is doing the work in us as well. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. The implication is that remaining is a choice we make. It is up to us to remain. He instructs us to be filled continually with his Spirit so that we can walk by his Spirit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular. We are the body of Christ, and He is the head. After explaining to his disciples how his Father is the gardener that prunes each branch so that it can bear more fruit, Jesus urges them to stay grafted in. III. Upon no other Foundation than Christ ,can this temple be built. For worship, flame and flower. Rev Dr Adrian Graffy is a member of the Vatican Commission that takes a lead in Bible scholarship, interpretation and promotion in the Catholic Church. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will be fruitful.John 15:5. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Change). If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Second, there also some reciprocity: we give back our energies and life to the vine. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. 3:14). As thoughts come up, dont try to resist them or retain them. We arent just doing good things for others. On the part of those who come to the Vine, their union with Him depends upon a deliberate act of the will, on his part, the union is effected by grace. To try to do otherwise would be to try to function as a decapitated body! We live in a world that tells us to focus on our rights and on what we are entitled to, at the expense of our responsibilities to others. Log in using one of many things we are the branches walk by his i am the vine, you are the branches reflection part of our larger library... 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