OUR LIFE IS FRUITLESS WITHOUT JESUS

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Readings: Acts 9:26-31; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8

In the Bible, Jesus used various analogies and imageries to describe the kind of relationship that exists between him and his followers. In the gospel Passage of last Sunday, he described our relationship with him as that which exists between a shepherd and his sheep. In today’s gospel passage, he says that our relationship with him is like that between a vine and its branches (John 15:1-8).

Naturally, the vine and its branches are physically and functionally interdependent. The vine serves as the main trunk or stem of the plant, from which the branches extend outward. The branches on the other hand derive their sustenance, nutrients, and structural support from the vine, which acts as the source of life for the entire plant. As such, when Jesus described himself as the vine and his followers as the branches, he meant that he is the source of life, sustenance, and spiritual nourishment for his followers. As the branches, we depend of on Jesus Christ, the true vine for spiritual vitality, growth, and fruitfulness.

Jesus says that his Father is the vinedresser who prunes the branches. As the vinedresser, every branch in the vine that does not bear fruit, he cuts away and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes to make it bear even more (John 15: 2). The pruning process is a difficult process as it involves the careful and deliberate removal of certain parts of the vine, such as shoots, leaves, or even entire branches. Even though difficult, pruning is for the benefit of the branches. Pruning is an act of care and nurture. Pruning removes any excess growth that inhibits airflow or sunlight penetration, discards dead, diseased or non-productive branches, and puts the branches in shape, making it possible for the branches to achieve its full potential and bear abundant fruit.

As branches of the vine, we are expected to be both productive and fruitful. But then, when we do not bear the desired fruits expected of us, the Father, the vinedresser prunes us so we can bear more fruits. This may involve sacrificing personal desires, ambitions, or comforts to align more closely with God’s will and purposes (Romans 12:1-2). At other times, trials and challenges in life can serve as pruning shears. If you look deeply, you may notice that you are currently going through a pruning process. Do not see it as a punishment. Pruning is for renewal and regeneration. The Father prunes us because he cares about us. He prunes us so we can reach our full potential and produce the desired outcome. As the author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us, God disciplines his children out of love and for their spiritual growth (Hebrews 12:6). Allow God to prune away anything that hinders your spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Lastly, in addition to being pruned, Jesus says that if we must bear fruit in plenty, we must remain or abide in him, for cut off from him, we can do nothing. Since Jesus is our life-giving source, anyone that does not remain in him is like a branch that has been thrown away – it withers and the branches are collected and burnt (John 15:6-7). In order to experience true spiritual life/fulfillment and bear the fruits of love, holiness, forgiveness, mercy, justice, faith, and hope, we must maintain a vital, abiding relationship with Jesus, the true vine.