“When
you eat my body and you drink my blood,
I will
live in you and you will live in my love.”
From “We Are One Body”
words and music by Dana Scallon
I have been writing these notes since I became music director at
St. Mary's about 5 years ago. My purpose is to highlight connections between
the music I have chosen and the day’s scripture as well as share how these
connections influence my own faith journey.
In last week’s gospel, Jesus used the image of the vine to
explain the relationship between himself and God the father:
“I am the true vine and
my Father is the vine grower.” John:15:1.
He also used it to describe the relationship
between himself and us:
“I am
the vine, you are the branches.”
John
15:5a
Had it not been for several excellent homilies, the second half
of this verse might have slipped by unnoticed.
“Whoever
remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do
nothing.”
John
15:5b
This idea of remaining in God through Christ carries through
into today’s gospel:
“As the
Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain
in my love.”
John
15:9
But……Just how do I remain in God’s love?
I’ve struggled with this all morning.
Jesus knows me well enough not to give me some vague description
of what he wants me to do. He knows I’m
much better with simple directions. Things
like: Love God and love your neighbor.
Even the commandments are more my style.
(Ten is lot but at least they’re all spelled out.)
The answer came this afternoon as I left Retro Fitness. (Yes.
Seriously.) As I went to grab the door handle I saw the sign that has
become invisible due to its’ familiarity.
See you tomorrow!
That’s it! I can remain
in Jesus by returning to Jesus.
What could that look like for you?
It might be going to www.usccb.org/bible/readings to read the scripture reading of the day.
It might be taking a second look at our church bulletin (also
online at www.stmarysnutley.org to
find a way of connecting with the St. Mary’s Nutley portion of God’s vine.
It might be caring for the need of someone in the name of Jesus.
It might be as simple as picking up Nonna next Sunday to bring her
grandson or granddaughter for their second holy communion.
It might be something different.
Who am I to limit the Holy Spirit?
Blessed to be at St. Mary’s
Bruce
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