“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me, you can do nothing.” A reminder to us this week that Jesus (God) is the source of everything that we have and are. If we stray and lose sight of the vine we will wither and die. This is the core of humility – a recognition that all we have and are comes from God. But with the nourishment He gives us, we are able to bear much fruit. And connected to Him, we receive His love that we might share it with others as we are called to in our second reading.
For us as Vincentians, this is a big week of celebration. But these readings remind us of what Vincent and Frèdèric continually told us – we trust in God’s Divine Providence seeking and following His will, we take the love He gives to us and we go out in humility but with great passion to serve those most in need. Through our prayer life, meditation on scripture, and in particular, participation in the Eucharist, we are nourished that we might bear much fruit ministering to those most in need. Do I stay connected to the vine through my prayer life, meditation on scripture and the Eucharist? Do I continually seek God’s will and guidance, or do I pursue my own? Do I pursue the virtues Vincent calls us to of humility, zeal, selflessness, gentleness and simplicity?
Lord Jesus, you are the vine and we are the branches. Help me to stay connected for on my own I am week nothing. Grace me with the will to develop the virtues St. Vincent calls us to. Help me in my pursuit of holiness to embrace a Vincentian lifestyle that I may effectively serve you through the poor and see your presence in them. Let them feel your love through my ministry to them. We pray all of this in your name. Amen
Deacon Mike