Good morning…
The executive director of the Ignatius House Retreat Center lives in our neighborhood. I find Maria to be a person who lives the love of Christ in such a vibrant, authentic way. So, when it came into my inbox yesterday, I was encouraged by her video reflection on the first fifteen verses of the book of John.
Remember the words of Jesus? “I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless” (John 15:5, TPT).
When we feel powerless, might we remember the most basic invitation Jesus offers all of us? Remain in my love as my love remains in you…
“I love each of you with the same love that the Father loves me,” Jesus explains in John 15:9-12 (TPT). “You must continually let my love nourish your hearts. If you keep my commands, you will live in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands, for I continually live nourished and empowered by his love. My purpose for telling you these things is so that the joy that I experience will fill your hearts with overflowing gladness!”
“So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you,” Jesus concludes.
“Because we are all branches in one vine, if we don’t love one another it means that our fellowship with the vine has been cut off,” says the footnote for verse twelve. “Bearing fruit must come from loving each other, for the same Christ-life lives within every believer. We are not branches of many trees, but of one vine.”
Please enjoy Maria’s welcoming message as you begin this summer day.
…Sue…
