Praise be Jesus Christ, who said I am the vine, you are the branches.
In these few words, Jesus gives Christians mission, purpose, and most of all a true direction. The mission to be one with Christ. The purpose to bear fruit for Christ. And the direction is always to Christ.
God planted the vine, cares for it, and makes it fruitful. We are nourished and prepared by the sacraments so that we may be fruitful branches of Christ.
When Christians speak the truth, we are treated just like the newly converted Paul. No one wants to hear us. Some even want to be rid of us.
More and more persons in this world are turning away from the Christian Faith.
This week, I debated with a young woman. She identifies herself as a Christian, but says she doesn’t think she needs organized religion. They have too many rules. She said many of her friends do not identify as Christians because there are too many rules that they do not agree with.
Even though she did not realize it, the basis of her arguments was - People don't want to hear the truth. They want to be rid of us.
She identifies as a Christian yet argues there is nothing wrong with living together. Birth control is not wrong. And, abortion is justified in certain circumstances.
She argues beautifully. But, argues without Christian merit and truth. She is trying to bear fruit but it does not come from the vine that is Christ.
The greatest argument for those who say there are too many rules is Christ Jesus.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.
The greatest win in any argument is to follow the advice in John letter. “Love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”
This world gives so many untruths, especially to the young. It is truly a blessing when a young person wants to discuss faith, even if it is to say there are too many rules.
Tell them about the one who said I am the vine and you are the branches.Tell them that find nourisihes us with love.
For some, the truth is just too many rules. But, love is the best truth. Love bears much fruit. It is time to be fruitful. It is time to remain in Jesus. God will prune away the dead branches.
Be good, be holy and preach the Gospel by the way you live you life and love one another. Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.
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