5th Sunday
of Easter, Year B: Homily by Fr Justin Adiele
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INTRODUCTION:
Last Sunday we talked about the role and character of Jesus
as the Good Shepherd and our ability to also be like him. By his name, by his
love and by his sacrifice, we too can afford to lead others in the right path
that leads to life and not to destruction. Today, we explore Jesus as the True
Vine and we the branches; and we must of necessity abide in Him to be fruitful
and productive both physically and spiritually.
THE FIRST READING
(ACTS. 9: 26 – 31)
Cut off or away from Christ, you may be doing harm, thinking
that you are doing good. St. Paul before his conversion thought he was
rendering service to God and country by killing and arresting believers in
Christ; bearing the fruit of destruction. But when he became a Christian, he
started building up the body of Jesus Christ through his missionary journeys;
bearing the fruit of multiplication and peace. Paul became an example those who
abide in Christ Jesus; who found the grace of repentance and turn around; and
who never lacked the zeal, the courage, the grace, wisdom and strength to
minister/testify for Christ; bearing the fruits of increase and spread of the
faith among the gentile world.
THE SECOND READING (1
JN. 3: 18 – 24)
In the second reading, St. John tells us quite clearly the
perfect and simple way to abide in Jesus Christ; and that is, “to believe in
him, to keep his commandments and to love one another.” Only when we are ruled
by faith, by God’s just commandments, and driven by love that we can actually
bear the fruits of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; and bear
fruits of charity, piety, justice and holiness.
THE GOSPEL READING
(JN. 15: 1 – 8)
In the gospel reading, Jesus was very specific and
particular about abiding in him in order to bear more fruits; and apart from
him we can do nothing. This passage teaches us never to cut or block our
link/channel with Jesus every day of our lives. What then is your
link/channel/connection with Jesus? Our sure link/connection with Jesus remains
prayer and sacraments and his holy words which guide us in the path of life
eternal.
CONCLUSION
Jesus has invited us to abide in Him. He has a large heart
and space to accommodate all his disciples. Abide in his Word; abide in his
love; abide in his Commandments; abide in his Eucharist; abide in his Church
and you would have the enabling grace to bear the fruits of faith and good
works which expresses itself in the increase/multiplication of believers around
you. May Jesus also abide in us as he promised through the Eucharist and
through the Holy Spirit, and continue to inspire us to bear the fruits of our
salvation and the salvation of the whole world!
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin
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