REMAINING IN THE VINE (Jn 15:9-11)
Prayer:
O Jesus, stay with me, and my life will produce good fruit.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper.
Context:
Jesus’ first priority is his unity with his disciples. From this oneness comes all blessings, both for the disciples and for the world. The disciples must make a choice to stay with Jesus. This decision is filled with frightening consequences. They will either be cast out into the fire or bear fruit.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
If anyone does not remain in me, he will be cast out and become a withered branch. They shall gather him up and cast him into the burning fire.
If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you want and it shall be done for you. In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love, as I have kept the Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Jesus highlights the disciple’s decision. Although chosen by Jesus, the disciple must freely decide to remain in him.
- The wrong choice is devastating. Like everyone else, they will be cast out into the fire of hell.
- Making the right choice merits the greatest blessings – complete access to God.
- The Father himself initiates their union with Jesus. He loves Jesus and Jesus loves the disciple.
- The union is completed by the disciple keeping the Father’s commandments.
- Abiding in Jesus brings an indescribable joy.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, I give you my consent. Claim me for yourself.
- Losing you, Jesus is an unthinkable disaster. Never let it happen.
- You attract me. You entice me. You call me to yourself.
- You offer me the Father’s love and say, “This is yours if you want it.”
- O Jesus, place your commands in my heart. They are the doors to the Father.
- You pour out your joy – complete and total – earthly and heavenly – for now and forever.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will recall that the Father’s love for Jesus can be mine, also.
+ I will struggle to keep the commandments, never growing discouraged by my sins.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
“That my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”