Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me,
you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) 
 

John 15:1-8

What does it mean to abide in God?

We have seen how important it is that we remain closely connected to the Lord. He is the source of our life, and he sustains us. He makes us one in our diversity. But for this to happen, we must be closely connected to him.

The word “abide” makes me think of peaceful living. I think of the meaning to “dwell in” or to “live by”. Perhaps abiding in God means remaining close to him in every circumstance of our lives.

We can abide by God when we recognise his presence in every moment of our days. He is with us in our morning prayers, meals, work, exercise, rest, and sleep. He is always there. It is us who need to wake up to that.

The more we become aware of God’s presence in every moment of our lives, the more we can say that we are dwelling in him, living by him, abiding in him.

How can you become more aware of God’s presence in your every moment? How can you better abide in him?

Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ

Lord,
You are always present in every moment of every day. 

Help us to be more keenly aware of this presence. 

May we abide in you.
Amen.

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