Daily Reflections ...

Today’s Gospel follows the rich and beautiful parable of the True Vine.  Jesus has entreated his disciples to remain, to abide, to stay in him.  The image is one of profound intimacy and one we are each invited into – deep relationship with Jesus, sustained by the life of the Spirit and nurtured by God the most perfect vinedresser.

With Jesus there in the disciples’ midst this relationship is so much more real and solid, they are with him in the upper room, and have been with him “from the beginning”.  They have walked the shores of the sea of Galilee with him, journeyed through towns like Capernaum and Bethany together, broken bread with him and followed him.  Those who have seen them passing by have looked and known that they are his disciples.  Their very presence with him bears witness to their belief in him, but Jesus knows that all of that is about to change.  If this relationship is going to stay solid and if their testimony is going to truly spring from the heart of this relationship, then they are going to need the Holy Spirit. 

Today, we have yet another chance to say ‘yes’ to Jesus; another opportunity to enter into relationship with him – to remain, to abide, to stay in him, to know him personally.  We have another chance to welcome the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to testify to Jesus; not only with our words but with our whole lives; not only for our own sakes but so that others will come to know him too!

Lord Jesus, I choose to remain, to abide, to stay in you again today.  Please renew me in your Holy Spirit, so that I might become a living testimony to your love.  May all that I am, be animated by your Spirit of truth, so that others may come to know you and abide with you also.

by Chantale Wilson