| Readings for May 6, 2012
This Sunday's Gospel reading is the beginning of the 15th chapter of John. It is helpful to be aware that, quite likely, chapters 15 through 17 of John are an insertion into the text from a previous version of John's Gospel, from the same author or possibly a member of John's community. Many scholars of this Gospel have concluded this, noting how in the last verses of John 14, Jesus says "I will no longer talk much with you", to set the stage for the story of the Passion. But then Jesus speaks continuously through the next three chapters, and the Passion narrative finally begins in John 18. It helps then, to consider John 15 through 17 as a whole.
This section begins with the imagery of the vine-grower, the vine, and the branches. The text evokes familiar horticultural images to its hearers. Jesus' disciples are to be rooted in the vine of Jesus, so that as branches of the vine, they may bear fruit, for the fulfillment of God's purposes. When branches become separated from the vine, they lose their capacity to bear fruit, and fail to fulfill their primary purpose. Later in John 15, Jesus describes the resistance his disciples will encounter in the world, even to the extremes of violence. Under these pressures, the disciples' witness to the Gospel will not endure, unless the disciples are deeply rooted in Jesus.
What does it mean to be rooted? Later in John 15 through 17, a variety of images are presented. I suggest there are at least three ways the text describes how disciples of Jesus are rooted: disciples are called to be rooted in relationship with God; rooted in God's story; and rooted in God's community of disciples.
Rooted in relationship with God: In John, Jesus invites his disciples into a new covenant, where "I call you friends" (Jn. 15:15); offering a profound intimacy with God through Jesus. We are invited to journey with God, in prayer and in action, throughout our lives. We know God claims the initiative in our relationship, so we listen attentively to God's calling, and respond in faith. Our practices of prayer, and our listening for God within the busyness of our lives, connect us to God, as branches connect to the vine.
Rooted in God's story: our relationship with God takes place with the grand narrative of God's relationship with humanity. The Bible tells the story of how God created human beings in God's image; and how humanity sometimes embraced but often rejected God. Jesus came to renew our covenant with God. In John 16, Jesus promises the Spirit, who will ceaselessly work to restore and renew human life, so that "your joy may be complete" (Jn 16:24). When we prayerfully read the Bible, and gradually make the Scriptures the grounding story of our lives, we learn to join in God's story which continues to unfold. We can participate in God's work, led by the Spirit, to heal and renew God's creation.
Rooted in God's community of disciples: Christianity is a "don't-try-this-alone" religion. Though our personal relationship with God is essential, we are called to learn and live our faith with other followers of Christ. God gathers communities of disciples to encourage and challenge each other on the journey. In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:20). All the branches share the same vine. Our gatherings, in worship and in learning together, help form us to be faithful disciples, so we may bear fruit, rooted in God.
Prayer suggestion: Read John 15 through 17 in one sitting. Listen for promptings of the Spirit in prayer. Consider how we are invited to deepen our roots, and to bear good fruit.
Ascension parishioner, Michael Prus serves in pastoral ministry at St. Margaret Mary Church in Naperville, Il.
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