𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝
Branches depend on the stem for survival; but stems do not depend on its branches for survival. Jesus says in John.15:5 apart from me you can do nothing. St Paul imitates these words in Phil.4:13 saying; “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” Despite the frustration a branch may go through in as much as it remains connected to the stem it survives. Even if the branch is shaded from the sun and rain in as much as it remains connected to the stem it survives. In the same vein, we can survive hard times if we do not break away from the Vine. In the first reading, Paul resorted to the authority in Jerusalem over the issue of circumcision. Paul as a branch did not separate himself from the stem. Thus, he was fruitful. If we remain connected to the Vine we shall always be fruitful.
LET US PRAY
O God, restorer and lover of innocence, direct our hearts towards you, that those you have set free from darkness may never stray from the light of your truth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ACTS 15:1-6, PSALM 122 AND JOHN 15:1-8
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
