1st Reading: Acts 9:26-31/Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:26b-27.28.30.31-32 (R. 26a) 2 nd Reading: I John 3:18-24/Gospel Acclamation: John 15:4a.5b/Gospel: John 15:1-8
Theme: Abiding In Christ Brings Fruitfulness
Today, our readings exhort us to hook onto God without whom we can do nothing. That, we believe in God and live in fraternal love, is the Christian theology and ethic. We are encouraged never to give up in the midst of challenges. In this regard, the life of St. Paul the Apostle, who was very fruitful even in the midst of hatred for him and plots against his life, is set for our example. Thus, the saying that, ‘one with God is majority’ holds true for all who abide in Christ.
After his conversion experience on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9), St. Paul remained steadfast in the face of utter rejection from fellow Jews in Judaism. Also, he witnessed unprecedented misunderstandings, grave suspicions and an overpowering fear from his new-found fellows in Christianity. In addition, he was challenged by the machinations and murder attempts of Greek[1]speaking Jews. Thus, with this new faith in Christ Jesus came new challenges to test his faith and personality. This is a characteristic mark of all conversion experiences. We will be tested from within and without, from close friends and foes. There will be both spiritual and physical battles to fight, but not everything negative is demonic or by Satan. There is a grace that happens only by pain. It’s called the secret wisdom of God. And the grace of God is able to displace all our disgrace. Paul experienced this, and his life should inspire and motivate us never ever to lose our focus or compromise on our conscientious convictions in Christ Jesus.
Having received the resurrection power, St. Paul was undaunted in his faith expression. In the midst of bitter hatred, jealousy, antagonism, suspicion, evil plots, isolation and hell-break-loose experiences, the first reading tells us that Paul “preached boldly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27). He did not regret his decision to follow Jesus. For him, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). According to Paul, “I am hopeful, even certain, that I shall not be put to shame. I feel as assured that now, as always, Christ will be exalted through my person, whether I live or die” (Phil. 1:20). From this, we learn of Paul’s self-motivation not based on self-pride nor false hope, but on firm belief in Jesus and his relationship with the same, a personal encounter premised on that single conversion experience on the road to Damascus. As believers, we need to keep trusting and hoping against all hope when beset with all kinds of trials especially when living in and working for Christ. We need this kind of unbending and unwavering faith. Such faith moves mountains and touches the very heart of God (cf. Mt. 17:20,15:28, Lk. 7:2-10).
One fact we need not gloss over is that, although many opposed Paul and looked at him with suspicion, others such as Barnabas believed in and encouraged him. The name Barnabas actually means Son of Encouragement, and Barnabas lived up to his name. Just as God never holds our past sins against us, Barnabas never held Paul’s past against him. He never condemned Paul for his past mistakes, and we should never condemn others because they once failed. Again, others who believed that Paul was genuinely converted to Christ, supported him and even helped him to escape an evil plot to kill him (cf. Acts 9:29-30). Like the Psalmist, Paul had decided and vowed thus: “My vows I will pay before those who fear him … And my soul shall live for him…” (Ps. 22:26b, 30). With this mentality, Paul was able to achieve an enviable feat in the service of God.
It is from the aforementioned that St. John in the second reading exhorts us: “And this is his commandment, that, we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them” (I Jn. 3:23-24). We need right belief and right conduct. According to St. John, upon these two commandments is the Christian faith hinged. It is on this point William Barclay has this to say: “Our belief is not real belief unless it is translated into action; and our action has neither authority nor force unless it is based on belief.” What are we to believe in if not the name, that is, the nature and character of Jesus? We must accept Christ for who he really is, as fully God and fully man. We must challenge ourselves to behave like him in word and deed just as St. Paul did and became productive in the areas of preaching, writing and founding churches.
So, what are the results of keeping the commandments and abiding in God? Today’s Gospel tells us: “He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). Thus, fruitfulness is a sign of loving obedience to the will of God. Again, Jesus’ statement means humans are necessarily contingent beings. We depend on God, whether or not we acknowledge and accept it. Therefore, to abide in Christ means imitating him in word and deed, and carrying out his will to the fullest. Christ himself showed us the example of unwavering union with the Father through obedience and humility. St. Paul also exhibited dogged enthusiasm in his new relationship with Christ. Therefore, for one to abide in Christ means, deepening one’s relationship with him intimately, constantly and sincerely. This is done by keeping continual contact with Jesus Christ via prayer, and being configured into his likeness.
Beloved in Christ, today we have the example of St. Paul who remained steadfast in Christ even in the midst of life’s turbulence. He learnt how to abide in Christ and allowed Christ to abide in him. The result is the fact that Paul was very fruitful. He won many souls for Christ after his religious conversion. Today, we owe about half of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament to St. Paul, and many people find inspiration, consolation, direction and salvation in his writings. As a matter of fact, God expect us to be fruitful. He demands it when he says: “You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear much fruit, fruit that will last” (Jn. 15:16). When we are fruitful, we bring glory to God. Perhaps, today, we need to look ourselves in the mirror and ask the following questions: Am I fruitful as a Christian? What kind of fruits am I producing: good or bad? Do I believe and love God to the extent of obeying his commandments come what may? Do I easily give up at the slightest challenge? Apart from prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures and other spiritual exercises, in what ways can I deepen my relationship with God in this marriage, family, church, community, business, job, country, world? May God strengthen us to be faithful and fruitful! Happy Sunday and may God richly bless us!
Remember: #Abiding-In-Christ-Brings-Fruitfulness#
By Rev. Fr. Lucas Binnah Junior, C.S.Sp.
