Acts 9:26-31 1 John 3:18-24 John 15:1-8
In our scriptures last weekend, we saw the disciples recognition of Jesus as not only the Good Shepherd who cares for each of His own, but also the other images of Jesus as the Gardener, the Cook, the Stranger, and the Merciful One.
Many of us find ourselves carrying images that profoundly affect the way we conceive our relationship with God. The image we have of God, of Christ, and of our relationship with God, surely affects the way we worship, pray, and the way we relate to one another.
Over the years I have discovered that there are in some Catholics an image of God as being distant. Sometimes the image is of a God who is like a stern judge, far away watching our every move and just wanting to past judgment on us. A judgment that we fear will be unfavorable. When that takes place everything becomes distorted. We think of God as someone unapproachable, someone who must be placated or appeased, and someone from whom we must beg a lighter sentence. We live with that kind of fear that we may not quite make the grade. If that were the appropriate image Jesus would have taught, “I am the true lawyer and My Father is one tough judge.” But of course Jesus never said that.
Or we might have an image of God as being someone like the head accountant of a business, someone who keeps a careful record of the good we do and who will at the final accounting determine whether we have earned enough grace to enter Heaven. If we become a prisoner of such an image, we might conceive of our relationship with God as one in which Jesus negotiates a better deal for us. We might think of Jesus as someone who adjusts the books so we earn enough credits to be assured of eternal life. Now if that were a good image of our relationship with God, Jesus might have well taught, “I am the true bookkeeper and My Father is the chief financial officer.” But, of course Jesus did not teach that.
Jesus did not use these images, instead He said, “I am the true vine and My Father is the vine grower -- abide in Me as I abide in you -- I am the vine, you are the branches.” (John 15:1-5)
This is an image we not only embrace, but it can be an image that enlivens our lives as Disciples of Christ. By being connected to Jesus, like branches to a vine, the life giving energy of the Trinity enters us. The end result of this reciprocal flow of love is the fruit of prayer, a good and virtuous life, peace, compassion, and zeal in caring for others.
The best of all of this that is produced is a growing awareness that images of a distant God are no longer adequate. The image of the vine and the branches is one of intimacy and closeness, pointing to the reality of the Incarnation. God is with us. God has taken on our nature. We are now as close to God as a branch is to the vine.
On this day we also might want to add another image that is given to us of God and Jesus with a firm basis in our tradition. It comes from the Old Testament Book of Hosea. In the eleventh chapter, God is imaged in a way that reminds us of a tender mother. The prophet says, “When Israel was a child I loved him – it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms.” (Hosea 11:1-3)
This weekend we take time to acknowledge all of the many ways God has shown His love for us. But above all is the gift of our Mothers. Mothers image for us the tender caring love of Jesus. Our mothers are the first to speak to us the word of God’s love; even in the womb that word is heard. To a mother her child is everything. She lives, breathes, and sleeps her child. And so it is with the love of God for us. God hovers over us like a true mother.
Today in the Second Reading from the First Letter of John, we find the teaching that emphasizes the love that Christians should practice. “Children let us love not in word or speech, but in deed and truth.” Who better exemplifies that teaching of Jesus then our mothers, our parents? Those who demonstrate for us practical love. Love is truly not just empty words and posturing speeches, but it is evident in the action and deep commitment of a mother’s love.
Mother’s would probably resonate with the following:
You know you’re a mom …
v if you buy goldfish and cheerios by the truckload.
v if you judge the quality of a restaurant by how they act when your kid makes a mess on the floor.
v if you find yourself locked in the bathroom with a piece of chocolate cake telling your kids “mommy just needs a minute.”
v if you find yourself singing Old MacDonald in the car… alone!
v when you’re willing to kiss your child’s boo-boo regardless of where it is.
v when your child picks a dandelion for you, and it’s the most beautiful flower you’ve ever received.
Truly God is the master vine grower. And as we reflect and give tribute to our parents, and especially our mother’s, we see further the nourishment that their love has bestowed upon us. The same passionate love of Jesus the true vine for each of us.Happy Mother’s Day!