Jesus said to his disciples,” I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” John 15:1-8
Most of us are often too busy to see all the people who have helped us survive and thrive to this day. We stand on the shoulders of generations of known ancestors, prophets, martyrs, teachers and unnamed servants. In our baptism, we are grafted into the heart of our Creator through the vine of Jesus. We often think ourselves on our own, and so do damage to others who fragile and are tethered to the Vine. Our words and actions can make others withdraw from our communities. And God is not glorified when we seek our own glory while disconnecting, defaming and damaging others on the Vine.
A Litany for the Firth Sunday of Easter
Gracious Creator, who draws us together
binding to us Jesus the eternal vine of love
feeding us in all of our seasons and storms
and restoring our relation to all of creation.
Lord, restore us and help us to abide in you always.
We struggle and pull away from our Vine
we want our own fame and great adulation
our selfishness damages the whole garden
yet we cry out when we feel so isolated.
Lord, restore us and help us to abide in you always.
You continue repairing and renewing hearts
despite all the defiance and hubris we demonstrate
you bless us daily with love beyond measure
and feed us for the days of struggle ahead.
Lord, restore us and help us to abide in you always.
You have made us your beloved offspring
and you love us despite our heedlessness.
Lord, restore us and help us to abide in you always.
We ache for connection and fellowship
yet our selfishness quickly unravel the love.
Lord, restore us and help us to abide in you always.
Make us your beloved abiding family again
so we might draw others to your loving Vine.
Lord, restore us and help us to abide in you always. Amen.
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