Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Jesus: The True Vine

BEADS OF JOY 05-17-17
“Jesus: The True Vine”
©2017 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 15:1-8 (The Vine and The Branches)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”

Reflection:
Let me start with this quote, it’s very powerful and most insightful: "So, the world - life enslaved by carnal passions - can no more receive the grace of the Spirit than a weak eye can look at the light of a sunbeam. First the Lord cleansed his disciples' lives through his teaching, and then he gave them the ability to both see and contemplate the Spirit. He says, 'You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you' (John 15:3). Therefore 'the world cannot receive him, because it neither sees him nor knows him... You know him, for he dwells with you' (John 14:17). Isaiah says, 'He who settled the earth and the things in it; and gives breath to the people on it, and Spirit to them that tread on it' (Isaiah 42:5). From this we can learn that those who trample earthly things and rise above them become worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ~Basil the Great

Between today’s gospel this amazing quote we need to really re-evaluate our own spiritual life. Are we enslaved in our own passions in this world? Are we too consumed by what’s going on here, and in that focus losing our focus on Jesus? Do we seriously abide in Jesus? What does abide even mean anyway? Maybe we need to start there to better understand our part in today’s gospel.

When we “abide in Jesus” what are we doing? We are obeying Him, keeping the commandments that God has set forth. And with that obedience we love Him with all our hearts, all our soul and all our mind, like it’s said in Matthew 22. And to go further, how do we show this love for our Lord? Through our trust in Him. Through our devotion to Him and through the depths of our own personal and public prayer life. And since Jesus is Love. We abide all things in Love. So, we pursue, pray and obey in Love. I hope this has been helpful.

Pondering these thoughts today: Trusting in Jesus’ healing power is key here. It is through the True Vine – Jesus, that we gain the abundant life? What does a vine produce? Fruit! The fruits of charity are joy, peace and mercy. When it comes to the fruits of the Holy Spirit, they are: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. All of this and so much more give us an incredibly abundant life.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

Your brother in Christ Jesus 
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Today is Wednesday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. The Assumption of Our Lady (A Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!


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