Thanks so much for being with us today! We are continuing our reflections on the gospel of John.  To contact us, visit our website at www.markandkatiemartinez.com

A Reflection on John 15:1-11

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (v 11)

“Your joy is in abiding.  Yes, it is in bearing fruit, in keeping my commandments, but first, in abiding.  If you abide in me, the rest will follow.

You are a branch, and I am the vine.  My Life flows through me into you.  Close your eyes.  Listen to your heart beat.  As the blood flows through your body, bringing life to every part, so my Life flows too.  The Life flowing through you is Love, it is Truth, it is the Holy Spirit.  When you abide in me, He and I abide in You.  Rest here.  Abide in me.  Let your heart be filled with Life.  Let it fill you, then let it overflow.  And from the overflow, you will bear fruit.

My Father, the vinedresser, does all things according to His plan.  There will be times of pruning.  Times of dormancy.  Times when you feel lost, pained, confused, and alone.  Still, abide in me.  Come back to this place, and let the beat of your own heart be your reminder of my life flowing through you.   Abide in me, and let your joy be full.”

My Jesus, sometimes it is hard just to abide.  I feel like I must be doing something to earn your love.  Help me to remember that you have done it all, that your love is pure gift, and that nothing I do can change that.  I love you, Jesus.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.