FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
(Acts 9:26-31, I John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8)
Often a poor person calls the parish for help. She is not
infrequently a mother with two or three children. She says that she is in a
hotel in another part of town. She needs meals, tissues, and, most of all,
money to pay rent. The priest wants to help her, but he can't give her
everything she needs. He asks her to come to the parish food pantry for
groceries and refers her to the agencies best able to help her. The pastor
thinks: "If only she were connected with the parish, there would be more
options to help her."
This unconnected woman reminds us of the words of Jesus in
the gospel today, "'If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask
for whatever you want and it will be granted to you.'” Those who have a
relationship with Jesus through the Church, which is his body, have resources
in abundance. In contrast, those who forget Jesus often lack the basics. We are
not talking here only about material things for survival. What we say is more
applicable to spiritual needs that are even more essential. These include
precepts to restrain unbridled passions and role models who show us how to live
righteously. Above all, the Church has the presence of Christ that serves as a
ballast preventing our ship from sinking.
In the first reading we see how the Christian community
helps Paul. Recently converted to the Lord, Paul never tires of proclaiming it
to everyone. When his zeal offends Jews, members of the community intervene.
They arrange his transfer to another city to save his life.
We achieve connection with Jesus Christ in two ways. First,
the reading of the gospel brings us his very words. These words impart his
counsel, his comfort, and his commandments. They make a firm foundation on
which we can build our lives. Second, in the Church we have the sacraments.
Particularly in Baptism and the Eucharist, Christ accompanies us. Baptism
unites us with him in his death and resurrection. Its waters then transmit to us
the new life of children of God destined for eternal happiness. The Eucharist
keeps us connected to Christ with increasing sensibility and security.
In the Gospel today Jesus emphasizes his presence through
the sacraments. He says that he is like the vine allowing us not only life as
his branches but also increasing effectiveness. Jesus makes it possible for us
to love in truth, as the presbyter John recommends in the second reading, and
not out of lust. Since Jesus gave his life for our sake, we can make sacrifices
for others.
An example of this sacrifice is the story of the FOCUS missionaries.
They are recent college graduates serving at least one year on college
campuses. They evangelize, that is, they tell young people about God's love.
Rooted in faith, FOCUS missionaries can connect students to Christ. A FOCUS
missionary says: “… one day at Mass I was struck by the fact that very few
young people were with me. My heart cried out for them, and I realized that God
wanted me to lead as many as possible to faith. "
In today's world there are so many ways to connect with others
that it makes us dizzy. Letters, emails, texts, telephone, Facebook -- it seems
that the list does not end. The ways to connect with the Lord are less
numerous, but more effective. We can read his word, receive the sacraments, and
pray to him. It is convenient for us to take advantage of all three so that we
do not lose contact. Reading the word, receiving the sacraments, and praying
keep us connected.
