Remaining Rooted

Gospel: John 15: 1-8

To remain rooted and grafted to the Lord Jesus is the foundation of the Christian life.  A constant reading and reflection on the Gospels are the most fundamental way for the Christian to remain rooted and produce great fruit in Christian living.  For our entire goal is to imitate the Lord Jesus and to perform the deeds he performed while on earth.

When we hear of performing the deeds of Jesus, we tend to think of walking on water, multiplying bread, and changing water into wine.  But the deeds of Jesus are deeds of mercy, love, and compassion to others that provide people with healing, nourishment, and liberation from what binds and possesses them.  If we provide others with the presence of love, peace, and compassion, they will find the healing, nourishment, and liberation they need.  

Often it is the case that our presence also requires specific tasks of healing and nourishment - providing food, medicine, clothing, whatever is needed for the person's basic necessities.  This is to imitate the Lord.  This is the way to remain rooted and grafted to him in our lives.  The Gospels provide the blueprint; we carry it out and build the kingdom with that as our guide.