5th Sunday of Easter: We are all Interconnected in Jesus

In this time of pandemic, one of the buzz words we often hear is social distancing. Social distancing is keeping at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people who are not from one’s household in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Many, however, suggests using the phrase “physical distancing” in place of “social distancing”. More than ever before in our history, we have to remain social and forge strong connection, while maintaining physical distance in this time of pandemic. We need to reach out especially to the marginalized and isolated, poor and hungry, undocumented immigrants, homeless persons, those with mental illness and those most vulnerable in this time of pandemic.

Thanks to technology we remained social and connected to each other in this time of pandemic. Despite the lockdown many people kept their sanity through conmunicating and interacting with friends and loved ones through social media, zoom meetings, emails and live streaming. Many continued with their job responsibilities by working from home.

Today’s gospel also talks about interconnection, albeit not from a technological but from agricultural, or more exactly, from viticulture–the science, practice and study of vineyard production. A vineyard is a plantation of grape-bearing vines. This is not a familiar image to us in the Philippines. But for the Jews, the vine and vineyard is one of the most common sight in Israel. Thus, several Old Testament passages saw Israel both as God’s vine (cf. Psalm 80:9-17), the object of his loving care, and as the vineyard of God (cf. Isaiah 5:1-7). By identifying himself as the true vine, Jesus proclaims that the true Israel is in him and only those united with him can form a part of it.

Jesus used terms in today’s gospel from the vineyard–vine and branches, growing, cleaning, pruning, and bearing fruit–to illustrate the intimate union between the Lord and his disciples.

“I am the vine, you are the branches
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” (John 15: 1 – 2)

These words beautifully encapsulate Jesus’ intimate oneness and personal relationship with his disciples and vice versa. Jesus is the vine and we, all his disciples, are branches. The only way to be a disciple is to be connected to Jesus. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Our connection to Jesus is also the basis of our connection with other disciples.

If we are to be true disciple of Jesus we need to have a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus. This intimacy with Jesus needs to come from the deepest core of our being– just as he has with the Father.

Abiding in Jesus also means that we abide in community–being with fellow disciples in a Christian community. It is not just about me and Jesus but also about me and the community of disciples of Jesus.

Only by abiding in Jesus and his community of disciples can we be fruitful. But this also means allowing God the Father who is the vine grower to prune us – even if it’s painful – of attitudes, dispositions, actions and replaced with new ones that enable us to bear much fruit.

Today’s first reading illustrates what it means to “remain in the vine” and to be “fruitful branches of the vine.” Paul, the mystic and apostle to the Gentiles who suffered terrible trials and persecutions on account of his faith, is a powerful example of a disciple who remains deeply united to Jesus Christ, the living vine, and who bears abundant fruit.

Our readings today can give us a lot of lessons espescially for today’s interconnected world.

First, our readings particularly the gospel, underscores for us a profound truth of human existence. Human beings are born to connect. There is a deep seated longing for genuine connection in everyone’s heart. Human beings can only become fully alive and fully human if she/he is connected to God, others and God’s creation. Isolated from God, others and God’s creation, he/she will be unhappy and unfulfilled. As the saying goes, “No man is an island!”

Second, connection entails taking risks. It is giving up control and power in oneself and entrusting one’s life in God and others. It entails allowing God and others to enter into our lives and transform our lives. This is what Jesus spoke in the gospel about being pruned in order to bear fruit. Abiding in Christ and in the community of disciples involves pruning.

Jesus’ kind of connection runs counter to how many in our world today use the internet for self-serving purposes. Yes, many use the internet to connect but in order to advance themselves–their agenda, interest and power. Thus, instead of developing their ability to give of themselves to others in connection, the internet has reinforced a selfie culture and diminished the capability of being present to the other.

The connection that Jesus taught us is the connection that he first lived in his relationship with the Father and demonstrated by his humble service to the people. It is the most sublime connection that entailed giving of his life on the cross for all.

As Easter people, may we learn to live this kind of connection that Jesus imparted to us.

 

I am passionate about the intersection between new media and technology. I continue to research and apply new media in theology and vice-versa. I am also a fan of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and her continuing relevance in today’s digital world.
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