Fifth Week of Easter : Sunday, 28th April 2024

The image of the vine and branches illustrates the relationship of love which binds the Father, Son and disciples, and the disciples themselves. The vine is the symbol of the covenantal love between God and Israel. The key relationship here, however, is between Jesus and His disciples. Love has its source in the Father, revealed in Jesus, and now shared by the disciples as manifested within the community.

The fruit of this relational love is lived according to God’s commandments with emphasis on justice and love. The disciple produces fruit in communion with Jesus and vice-versa. Therefore, a Christian disciple either remains in communion with Jesus and produces fruit or is fruitless in separation from Him. John’s first letter emphasises the importance of being in communion. That is Christians “believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ and that we love one another as He told us to”.

This love for one another is shown by the Christian leaders towards Saul. Barnabas was aware that the disciples were afraid of Saul, so he took the initiative to introduce Saul and speak on his behalf to the disciples. Later, knowing that Paul’s life was in danger, they make arrangements for him to be taken away, firstly to Caesarea, and later to Tarsus. Such fruit of the fraternal love among the Christians depicts how the churches enjoyed a period of peace and growth and lived the “consolation of the Holy Spirit”.

Lord, help us simply to love one another.