Gospel for April 28 2024 – John 15:1-8
Gospel Reflections for April 28 2024
Stay connected…
In his earlier life, St. Paul had successfully persecuted Christians. You would be afraid if he showed up at your house!
Then he suddenly “converts.” Would you believe him? Few did, as the First Reading affirms. However, there was a wise older man named Barnabas who listens to Paul …and assures everyone that Paul is truly connected to Jesus …and that is the connection that counts!
Last week the Gospel was about sheep …who are always connected to a shepherd who knows where the best food and water is found. Jesus calls you to be a good shepherd as well, who connects people to God. This week the image is vines and branches.
We have some very tall trees at St. Bruno, with long branches that provide welcome shade. But no matter how long a branch is, every single leaf receives nourishment from the sun above and the branch to which it is connected. Healthy life depends on keeping the right connections.
Your own spiritual life also depends on this unbroken connection with Our Lord. The Apostles, and even Paul, accomplished miracles in the first reading because they stayed connected to Him. No matter how far they travelled, they always maintained that connection with Jesus. They knew where to go for spiritual nourishment and energy.
This is a very challenging time in our nation, in politics, and even in education. There are all kinds of voices calling you to follow this or that new program or policy. Some are divisive and call you judge people not by their inner character and virtues but only by their outer appearance, race, or ethnic origin. For those connected to Christ, that can never be our way. We stay connected to the way of the Lord.
Again, this Gospel follows last week’s Gospel where Jesus, the courageous Good Shepherd, calls His followers to be courageous shepherds and to face any and all opposition with confidence. That confidence comes from staying connected to Him.
Connections for vines, branches, and Christians must be constant. Never let a week go by without coming to Mass and connecting with Our Lord in the way He designed. You will find the strength you need there.
Staying connected to Our Lord was the goal for St. Paul and those earliest Christians …and remains your goal every day …and most especially at this time.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Your mention of trees reminds me of one of your homilies years ago at our Parish in Altadena.
We are like leaves on a deciduous tree we sprout! Look beautiful , look around and enjoy the view , breeze and Sun. Then turn gorgeous colors and fall to earth.
That homily made a deep impression on me. Twas short and to the point describing well our existence and the beauty it holds to appreciate.
The Scripturesx add dimension to our lives that nothing else will . The political divide we see today is disrupting and divisive. The Church is wise in not engaging in it. Our Spirit at Mass unites us in a way that nothing else will. Brothers and Sisters with Jesus Christ as Our Gate to heaven here and forever.
You have a great memory to remember that homily so long ago! Yes, our faith has deep roots that survive any present turmoil.
Thank you Fr. Dave for your message. Staying connected to Jesus through the Church, the Eucharist, the Scripture, and prayer makes all the difference. Our life has value because we are God’s creation. With the help of God, we can grow in our spiritual life and “stay connected to the way of the Lord.”
“Coming to Mass and connecting with Our Lord in the way He designed“ has, without a doubt, helped me find the strength I need to follow the way of the Lord. .
Thank you Fr Dave and all priests who have chosen their vocation to help us connect with the Lord and follow his way.
Thank you for your kind words!