In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains to his disciples that he is the vine, and we are the branches, and his Father is the caretaker, the gardener, the dresser of the vineyard.

It appears as such a simple statement, yet its meaning and message is so important for our relationships.  What does Jesus mean when he says, “I am the vine and you are the branches?”

You cannot separate vines from the branches or branches from the vine. So, to me, Jesus’ words mean I am with you, and you are with me, and there’s no separation but interconnectedness. The life of God is with us and the presence of God is with us.

Jesus is within us, in each other, in the St Brigid’s community and in those outside our community. Perhaps that means when we look at each other, we must look at each other the way Jesus is. When we treat each other, we must treat each other as people who are filled with the life of God. We are called to walk the way he walked, to care the way he cared, to love the way he loved.

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning