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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Jn 15:1-8 |
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| Background: This selection from John's presentation of the Last Supper discourse puts a different twist on Israel's understanding of the symbolism of the vine. Instead of seeing the vine from the Psalmist's perspective as the people of Israel, Jesus announces that he is the true vine, the one who brings a new vision of God with humankind into existence. The images of the vine and branches indicates the special relationship that exists between Jesus and the disciples. They are joined with him; they can ask the Father in his name and it will be granted them. However, in this intimate union with Jesus, they can anticipate that in bearing witness to him, they will also undergo some of the persecution he did. At the same time, since they have been pruned and trimmed clean, they can look forward to rising with him. |
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Story: In the 1930's the Smith family lived in one of those big urban neighborhood parishes. Everyone knew the Smiths. All the young people liked to gather at their house. It was always a beehive of activity. The Dad, Joe Smith, was a cop and worked even during the depression. He used to tell wonderful stories about the people he met on his beat. Their five sons and one daughter seemed to be the model young people of the community. They were good students, good athletics, the boys were the best altarboys. Mary, the daughter was tops in her class and crowned the Blessed Mother when she was in eight grade. Of course, the family had its problems. Still, even today, people who knew them marvel at how they seemed to be so happy. Everyone knew that the secret to the success of the Smith family was the Mom, May. She was always at the center, keeping tabs on what was going on, providing encouragement and support for Joe and the kids. She was what family experts refer to as a centering housewife. Today May and Joe's grandson, Mary's son, Joe, is a father of the 90's. He and his wife both work. Their two sons and one daughter are involved in sports and lessons and Joe and his wife share the jobs of t-ball coach and driver for the dance troop. Mary often watches her son with the neighbor kids and smiles as she sees him doing with his family what her Mom did for her when she was young. Every family needs a center and she knows that her Mom would applaud the way Joe shares that role with his wife. |
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