Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 17 May 2022
Published: Tue, 05/17/22
Daily Reflection
Tuesday, 17 May 2022
“I am the vine, you are the branches….if anyone does not remain in me and I in them, they are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” ” John
15:5
These words speak strongly of what happens when we are somehow disconnected from the flow of Christ’s life in us. Like branches that wither and die when they are not fed by the sap flowing through the Vine, when we are disconnected from our relationship with Christ and his people who are the other branches, we can no longer give
life.
One way in which this happens, is when we become overly committed and busy and there is little time to pray or to be with others who help us to stay connected. When that situation drags on for too long our faith flags and we often become brittle, depleted and dry – a bit like the branches that wither and are thrown into the fire. We somehow lose our zest and enthusiasm for life. Nothing
seems to flow easily.
For many of us Covid has left us feeling somewhat disconnected from the life of the Christian community. We were not able to go to church in person and to meet for coffee with others after the liturgy or perhaps to take part in events that helped us to feel a sense of belonging and connection. It’s not easy now trying to transition and rediscover old and new ways of relating. It is tempting
perhaps to give up on staying connected. And yet, we are part of the Vine. To have a sense of our relationship with God as living and vibrant and to be able to see fruits in our lives we need to find ways to stay grafted into the vine; connected with Christ and with others in and through the community and our own life of prayer.
How can I stay more connected to Christ, remaining in him?
How can I be more connected with and fed by the life of the Christian community?
Risen Christ,
When I sense that I am becoming disconnected
from the flow of your life-giving presence,
Draw me back to remain in your love
That it may flow with new strength in me.
