May 9-10, 2009
Fifth Sunday of Easter – Mother’s Day Weekend
Acts 9:26-31 First John 3:18-24 John 15:1-8
Hydrangeas are hysterically-dramatic plants. Most plants, when their roots begin to get a bit dry they show slow signs of deprivation. The leaves may grow a little limp, you start to notice they’re not as perky as usual….a gradual sort of thing that gives you plenty of time to grab the watering can. Not so with hydrangeas. At the first sign of dryness hydrangeas let out a shriek and droop, the stems bend, the flowers fold up on each other and the plant basically does a hysterical swan-song and looks completely dead. With copious watering hydrangeas will recover….but the leaves will still bear the signs of their trauma….spiteful reminders of what our neglect has caused. Today’s Gospel of John reminds us of the necessity to remain connected to the ‘life-giving vine’ of Jesus lest we wither. In so many ways we grasp that we are ‘parts of a bigger whole’ in the scope of our society; we are individual voters, citizens, consumers, families, members of a PTA or neighborhood association. We understand that in order to achieve BIG things we must group ourselves together and remain connected. Funny how we forget that there is a spiritual thirst within each of us that can only be nourished and satisfied by remaining connected with the PERSON of Jesus: not just religious teachings, rituals or doctrines…but the PERSON of Jesus. Throughout the year people will periodically seek comfort or solace from what they describe as a ‘dryness’ in their spirit or heart…as if they are parched or thirsty and they are not sure what to do? Gentle questioning usually reveals a separation that has been allowed to creep into a person’s life, a separation that has been justified because the person is busy, or tired, or the kids have programs, or the spouse doesn’t want to come to Mass or the vacation schedule…or…or…or…. The end result is that the RELATIONSHIP and CONVERSATION with Jesus has been neglected…the branch has become cut off from the vine and is slowly starting to wither. So…how’s your relationship with Jesus? Are you being well watered or are you starting to show signs of distress? The tough thought for most of us is to realize that it is not Jesus who has neglected us….but it has been US who have neglected him…and in order to re-hydrate and be refreshed, WE must make alterations and changes to our life. The lesson from this week’s Gospel? Before you become a hysterical hydrangea….get yourself reconnected to the life-giving vine of Jesus.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful Mother’s Day weekend with our Community. To the mom’s amongst us, to the mom’s remembered in our hearts, THANK YOU for the gift of life and love. Next weekend is our POPs camp-out on the lawn…Dads…make your reservations for you and your kids today (our scout troops are loaning us some tents if you need one!…Thanks Scouts!) Please take a Bulletin with you as you go home, lots of things hatching and being planned….and al of them offer opportunities to get refreshed and well-hydrated within the Body of Christ! On this fine Spring weekend, remember, you are loved. FKB
