Sermons From St. John the Divine St. John the Divine Episcopal Church - Houston, TX

This Sunday's Gospel passage follows that of last week where Jesus describes himself as the Vine and his disciples are his branches. Today's passage stays on that theme of 'abiding' in terms of love. What are the practical implications of 'abiding in the love of Jesus Christ'?

We can always be connected to Jesus as our phones connect us to one another and the world. Yet the connection to Jesus will always be stronger because he chose you for his eternal, abiding, unconditional love!

Jesus calls us to look to him as the true vine, the one from whom we receive the nutrients and subsistence that sustains us and allows for our growth. By dwelling in him and his word, we can live out God's purpose for our lives. We must look first to Jesus, focusing on our relationship with him before we can live out his will and produce the fruit of the Kingdom of God.

This low and dangerous moment for the culture is actually a glorious opportunity for the church – at least for churches filled with people who are learning more and more how to abide in Jesus, to love the Father as he loves the Father, to love the people he loves, to love the works he does. This is the life that truly is abundant life, the source of flourishing that matters most.

Jesus, like a shepherd, is willing to lay down his life for us. He calls us to love him as our top priority, use him as a living example for our lives, and be committed to giving him to others.

Through the Holy Spirit, we hear the voice of the good shepherd and experience God's loving-kindness.