Readings: Acts 15:1-6, Ps.122:1-5, John 15:1-8
“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.” (John 15:4)
Every family, organisation, or group has specific codes of conduct that guide its members. Some of these codes have been practised for many years and may have lost their relevance over time, but have become ingrained in the mentality of such organisations.
For instance, in today’s first reading, some men from Judea brought a disturbing teaching to the Christian converts: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Meanwhile, circumcision was only a sign, not the essence of the covenant with God. “You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between you and me.” (Genesis 17:11).
By emphasising circumcision, these Jewish Christians wanted to make the Gentile Converts feel inferior. Avoid every air of superiority to others. On the other hand, the issue of circumcision indirectly watered down the importance of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. Are there traditions I practice that have lost relevance over time? It is good to question your traditions occasionally. Why do we do this?
There is a saying, “What is beyond six is more than seven.” Regardless of your profession, pay attention to your spiritual life and not depend solely on your human efforts and skills. Jesus tells us today: “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.”
Listen to Jesus daily. Obey God’s commandments. Do not worship money. Today, many business people, including so-called Christians, get entangled with the devil, all in the name of protecting their business. By so doing, they mortgage their souls. The devil can never bless you.
“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.” (John 15:7-8). As a Christian, remember that you are a missionary. In other words, aim for productivity and fruitfulness.
Beyond doing your job excellently, aim to win souls for God. This can only happen when you are prayerful and abide in (study) God’s Word daily. Remember, you cannot give what you don’t have. You cannot convert your fellow workers if you are not grounded in God’s Word or are not prayerful.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the grace to abide firmly in you always. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of the 5th week of Eastertide, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 15:1-6, Ps. 122:1-5, John 15:1-8).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu