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Despite any illusions that we are “self-sufficient,” if we are truly honest, we must admit that we cannot “do it all” by ourselves. We will not be useful, productive, or successful unless we go about our tasks and accomplish our mission in and through the power of Jesus Christ. But really, that is a good thing! Having Jesus Christ, Spirit-filled and risen from the dead on our side, and empowered by the gifts of God’s Holy Spirit, is what truly gives value and meaning to whatever we do.
We are branches of the main vine, as Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel account (John 15:1-8). “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.” Jesus is telling us that If we live in him and he in us, we will live a life full of meaning, purpose, direction, and infinite value.
We, as Catholic Christians, are called to apply the talents we have, talents that come from God, to make a difference – not only in our own individual lives but in the world around us. Through our commonly shared life of faith in Jesus Christ, we truly have the ability to make change happen in this world – change for the better!
We have God’s commitment: his covenant to be with us no matter what. And to help us be a part of accomplishing his work, we have God’s Presence among us, even within us, when we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus n the Holy Eucharist. We live in him, and he in us. There is an old Latin expression: “ ad majorem, dei gloriam” which means “for the greater glory of God.” May our lives bear much fruit, for the greater glory of God and for the good of the world. In doing so, we will bring others to salvation in Christ.
