Short message from Fr. Lawrence R. Brito

5th Sunday of Easter

In the Gospel today Jesus presents to us, using a parable, how we relate to him and how he relates to us. He gives us an Image of himself as the Vine and we are the branches of this vine. The expectation of his father is that the branches produce fruit. As long as we stay close to Jesus, we will be nourished and produce the fruits that are expected from us. We remain on the vine when we drink the nourishment that the Lord himself gives us. He feeds us with his very own self; that is what is contained in the mystery of the Eucharist and of the Word proclaimed and lived.  Jesus feeds us with his very own life and wisdom.

 

St. John the Apostle writes to us in the second reading. “My little Children” is how he addresses us. He speaks to us as a good and loving Father. Calling us to love one another, because God who is love expects us to love as he loves. He says, “He who does not love, does not know God, because God is love”

 

So St, John tells us “My Children: let us love not in word or speech but indeed and truth”.

We are to live out our faith in action.  Jesus promises those who remain with him will be taken care of. There is nothing that they will be lacking. Jesus says: If you remain in me and my words remains in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.

 

What should we ask for than?  Maybe we can learn something from the answer St. Thomas Aquinas gave to Jesus after he had composed  his great works on the Eucharist. Jesus said to him; “you have written well about me Thomas what would thy have?

Thomas responded: “I will have nothing but you.”

Maybe this should be our request today and always: “I will have nothing but you Lord Jesus”.  Those who poses Jesus, poses everything.

Amen