Wednesday of the 5th week of Easter year A

Theme: “I am the vine”

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus reminds us about the fact that he is the true vine, and his father is the vinedresser; you and I are the branches. He has created us in such a way that if we make the right choices like Paul and Barnabas in today’s 1st reading, we will bear good fruits that will stand the test of time. It is interesting to note that the Lord prunes only the branch that is already bearing fruit, so that it will bear more fruit. Simply put, there is nothing to prune from a branch that is not bearing fruits. This simply means that we all must work hard and make the right choices if we want to bear more fruit that will stand the test of time. Humanly speaking, most of us, if not all of us would want to bear more fruit, but are we ready for the process of the pruning?

My sisters and brothers in Christ, this process of pruning can come in many ways. It may be painful and very discomforting to you as an individual, but it is a process that you may have to pass through for you to get to where God wants you to be in life. This also points out the fact that it is not all the challenges that we face in life, that has come to destroy us for one reason or the other. Sometimes some of them are ways through which God is pruning you to prepare you for what awaits you in the future. It may not be a process you will enjoy, but it will be worth all the stress.

Jesus gives us an insight that will help us to bear good fruits, we must abide in him. No branch can stand on its own and survive. Every branch will need both the vine and the vinedresser if it truly wants to bear lasting fruits that will stand the test of time. When we abide in God and his word abides in us, we can ask whatever and God promises to grant our request. Dearly beloved in Christ, we are all encouraged today to accept the invitation of Christ and make honest and sincere effort to bear fruits that will stand the test of time. It is never too late to resolve to do what is good and acceptable to God in our daily lives. As you do this, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

Wednesday of the 5th week of Easter year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp