As Easter people, we live both in the shadow of the cross and the light of the Resurrection. This Sunday, our texts address the questions: How should we live as Christians? How do we tell the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection? What is new life? The easy answer to all of these questions is love. The text proclaims that God is love, and we are to love one another. In the book of Acts, Philip tells “the story” to the Ethiopian official and the two share in holy dialogue and the sacred act of baptism. In the gospel of John and 1 John, we hear affirmations of connectedness in the image of vine and branches, as well as in a call to abide.
Love is freely and overwhelming given to those who believe, but this love also requires investment, sharing, and forgiveness.
Personal Reflection:
Jesus proclaims, “I am the vine.” When taking care of a plant, the branches must be pruned for the plant to thrive. The connection, to the source of life and community is vital to our Christian faith.
Consider what aspects of your faith life are bearing lots of fruit…consider what areas might need pruning.