On my pilgrim journey in Santiago, I met a man who did not know what to do with his life. We walked together, talked and stayed at Auberge (a lodge for pilgrims). A few years later, I received an email from him that thanked me for my advice. He stayed connected, informed me about his job, his marriage, and his baptism, everything that happened to him. We are enjoying continuing to stay connected by letting each other know what's going on in our lives.
We are connected people with each other in ways never imagined through the internet, email, cell phones, or facebook. And yet, in spite of our “connections,” we are having trouble staying meaningfully connected to each other. People are hungry for almost any kind of personal and meaningful connection.
We live in a world of constant change. Vital connections are at the center of what Jesus was talking about with the vine and the branches. Jesus wants and offers connectivity, relationship, and intimacy. We can see loyalty in long-term friendships, marriages, and community. We are the branches, and it is our responsibility to stay connected to the vine. It is our connection to Jesus – to the vine – that gives us life. As we grow more deeply in him, we become good trees and he will cause us to bear good fruit. Good trees bear good fruit. By their fruit you will recognize them (Matthew 7:17-20).The job of a branch is to suck all the life-giving water it can from the vine. Jesus is saying, “live in me,” “dwell in me,” “be at home in me.” This is a powerful invitation to relationship and connection.
Today's Reflection:
“What is the source of your spiritual power? It’s radical union with God, not just doing good things or holding a role or function. Often, we make the basis for ministry professionalism, education, and up-to-date-ism, which are all good in themselves. But in the end, the only basis for fruitful Christianity is divine union. Such people change you and change the world.” (Richard Rohr)
Who are they to whom we are to be connected today?
Pastor Seok-Hwan
