Living Branches
The Gospel and second reading for this Fifth Sunday
of Easter emphasize the need for us to remain in Christ,
and he in us. This shared life finds expression in the image
of the one vine and many branches. We become living
branches of the vine, members of the Body of Christ
through baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation, sacraments of
sharing God’s own life. The First Letter of John describes the
fruit of this vine as active love of neighbor: “And his
commandment is this: we should believe . . . and love one
another” (1 John 3:23).
Our first reading from Acts shows us an example of
someone who shares in Christ’s life in the person of Saint
Paul. Paul’s fearless witness, even at the risk of his life, is
proof to everyone that the risen Lord’s Spirit truly fills him
with life and is bearing fruit in him.