Fifth Sunday of Easter_B - Simple Abundance_042824

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Simple Abundance”

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B

In the gospel we hear the story of the “Vine and the Branches” that, not surprisingly, contains a message quite suited for us today. That message is this: if we live our lives trying to discern God’s Will for us and see ourselves connected with and dependent upon one another, a life of simple abundance awaits us. Not an abundance entirely of the material “stuff” this age of consumerism has spawned upon us, but rather, an abundance of those necessities that matter most for our overall “well-being”: mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and yes, even some of the material blessings that surround us!

We begin our journey to pursue the rich abundance the gospel speaks of in earnest when we realize that it is lacking in our lives. Simple abundance is a matter of choosing to live well-balanced lives that contribute and enhance the “well-being” of others. It is what Jesus taught His disciples to do when He said they must put others first and be the servants of all. This is the hardest challenge Christians face and, make no mistake about it, it is in actuality a… “dying to self”.

For most of us this doesn’t describe the current state of our spiritual journey. John’s gospel today reminds us that God calls us to “bear much fruit”, but we settle for so much less. Think about it!!! Would our God, who through Christ promised to raise us from the dead and share eternal life with us not also want us to experience some simple joy and happiness during this life that has more than its share of sadness and sorrows? I am sure that God wants us to share in the blessings this world has to offer, but we often settle for the glitter and trinkets, far lesser “stuff” while foregoing the spiritual riches we should be the focus of our lives.

God has truly set a banquet before us. It starts in this life and comes to completion, perfection in the next. We know that we can do nothing without Him, nor should we want to. For God desires to be a part of our life’s journey so He can fill us with His joy and peace, fruits that matter. And, He waits for us until that day comes when He, the harvest master, gathers to Himself the rich harvest of the fruit of our lives.

May our harvest be abundant and may the harvest master welcome us into His kingdom as His good and faithful servants at the end of the harvest.

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com for a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer.

OTHER RESOURCE

Recommended Reading: A Big Heart Open to God - A Conversation with Pope Francis (Interviewed by Antonio Spadaro, S.J.). In this historic interview, Pope Francis's vision for the church and humanity itself is delivered through a warm and intimate conversation, and he shows us all how to have a big heart open to God.

Recommended YouTube Video: Praying With the English Mystics