Here is my reflection on John 15:1-8,
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:1-8&version=ESV
In this passage, Jesus beautifully compares Himself to the true vine and us to the branches, reminding us of our need to remain deeply connected to Him. He begins by declaring, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” I believe, this is more than an instruction; it’s an invitation to a way of life. The imagery of the vine and branches is a beautiful reminder that our existence and fruitfulness depend entirely on our relationship with Him.
When Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you,” He is inviting us into an intimate, continuous relationship with Him. In our fast-paced, distraction-filled lives, it’s very easy to be carried away and to forget the depth of this invitation. I believe for a fact that, Jesus doesn’t just want us to follow His teachings passively; He desires to be part of every moment of our lives. He wants us to walk with Him, speak with Him, and include Him in the mundane and profound alike. This reminds me of a sermon I once heard in my church in India, where the priest said, “Jesus loves to be part of your life as a true friend who is always by your side, ready to hold you up. He wants us to talk to Him, share even the little things, just like a child tells their mom about their day.” This really made me thinking, and even inspired me to start having open, honest conversations with Him, and in those moments - especially in prayer and adoration before the Eucharist - I have truly felt His loving presence.
The second part of the passage brings a sobering truth: “For apart from me you can do nothing.” Just as a branch cannot survive or bear fruit apart from the vine, we too cannot fulfill our purpose if we are disconnected from Christ. This is not merely about spiritual failure. I believe, our ultimate purpose is to live in companionship with Jesus, allowing His life to flow through us, shaping our actions and bearing fruit for His glory.
In verse 6, Jesus intensifies His message with a warning: “If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” This imagery is a stark reminder of the eternal consequences of turning away from Him. I believe, the reference to fire is interpreted metaphorically, symbolizing hell (I would like to say it as a place of eternal separation from God). Jesus Himself speaks of hell directly about 15 times, emphasizing its reality. And several mentions, notably by St. John the Baptist, St. James, St. Paul, and in Revelations, also remind us of this eternal truth.
Duality of God’s Love and Judgment is deeply rooted in Scripture. In Matthew 25:34, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” But in the same chapter, He also warns of the eternal fire: “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire.”
I would like to end my reflection, reminding us that God, our loving Father, desires an intimate relationship with us, offering us grace and life through Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Yet, it also underscores the sobering truth that God is the righteous judge. His love, expressed through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, demands a response - a life of abiding in Him.
Remaining in Christ is not just a privilege, but a responsibility - one that carries eternal consequences. I remember a priest at my Brantford parish once saying in his sermon during Holy Mass, "We’re here to live just 70-80 years on this earth, but we are meant to spend an eternity (millions and millions of years) with God".
In the name of the Almighty Father, Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.