Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8)
A Catholic church had a summer program for its school children. To keep them coming to mass during the break
a priest organized a “Friends of Christ” club.
Children would attend the 8:30 morning mass every Thursday morning. Afterwards, they circled the date on their
membership card. The priest didn’t give
rewards for children who came every week.
He didn’t need to. The children
were satisfied with doing something for Jesus.
They also stayed connected to their classmates.
In today’s gospel Jesus emphasizes the need to stay
connected to him. His followers must
become vine-ripened, not just vine-engendered.
Accomplishing this, they will become loving people worthy of eternal
life. Those whom their love touches are
also likely to perform deeds that result in eternal joy and peace.
Often children have little responsibility. They take minimal care of themselves and
contribute little to family needs, much less the good of others. If they continue to grow up in these ways, they
may be cut off from Christ and the eternal life he promises. More than telephones and soccer leagues,
children need a familiarity with the love that is Christ.
