Today is May 21, Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter.
In today’s Gospel, we hear one of the most profound and beautiful teachings Jesus gives his disciples during the Last Supper: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
This verse strikes the heart. Jesus doesn’t say, “Without me, you can do a little.” He doesn’t say, “Without me, you’ll manage some things but struggle with others.” No — he says, “Without me, you can do nothing.” These words remind us just how completely dependent we are on him.
St. Thomas Aquinas, in his commentary on this passage, offers a stunning reflection. He says believing, obeying and persevering are ways by which we abide in Christ.
Faith, obedience and perseverance
Let’s look at each of these briefly, using the vine imagery to guide us.
1. Faith is the root. Our belief in Christ grounds us. Just as a vine sends roots deep into the soil to draw life and nourishment, so our faith anchors us in God. It’s from this faith that we receive strength in times of trial. When storms come or seasons of dryness set in, our rootedness in Christ is what sustains us.
2. Obedience is the stem. The shaft of the vine gives the plant its shape and structure. Obedience is not a burden — it’s what keeps us strong and upright. Obedience to Christ gives our lives order and purpose. It supports the growth of virtue and keeps us from becoming aimless or unstable.
3. Perseverance is the canopy. When you walk through a vineyard, you see the broad green canopy that spreads above, shading the fruit. Perseverance is that canopy — our endurance through trials, our ongoing yes to God, our trust that the Lord will bring his work in us to completion. It’s what allows the fruit of our lives to mature.
Let’s pray that we may be people of faith, obedience and perseverance — branches firmly attached to the vine.
Let us pray,
O God, restorer and lover of innocence, direct the hearts of your servants towards yourself, that those you have set free from the darkness of unbelief may never stray from the light of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
