COLUMN: PASTOR’S PEN

It happened at an inconvenient time; without our mobile phone we would have been more isolated than we are with the current restrictions as a result of Covid-19.

This ‘inconvenience’ reminded me of a powerful biblical truth - the need to stay connected to Jesus.

Of course, Jesus did not have phones of any kind, but he used an illustration that would have been understood at that time. He said: “I am the Vine, you are the branches, those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing”. St. John 15:5. By describing himself as the Vine, Jesus is the stimulus for growth; the energy, the dynamic force making visible the living power of the invisible God.

We are the branches and are linked to Him and part of that growth or we are withered, useless deadwood.

It is very important to keep in touch with Jesus and we do so through Prayer, bible reading, worship and, when possible, Sacrament, because ‘cut off from Him’ we can do nothing.

One of our prayers says: “We have no power of ourselves to help ourselves”; everything comes from God.

As branches of the Vine we are connected to Jesus and to one another. We can have a personal relationship with Him and reach out in His name to help those in need, the lonely, the sick, the broken in heart and in spirit, to avoid being ‘so heavenly minded and no earthly use!’.

Of course, there may be areas of our lives that need to be pruned back by the Divine Gardener; this can be a humbling experience, shedding our pride, selfishness, apathy, indifference and any bitterness we may have.

Jesus teaches that true discipleship consists in producing the fruits of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. Galatians 5:22,23.

In these challenging and anxious times may we keep in touch with Jesus, draw our strength from Him - the true Vine, and reach out and show His love, compassion and care to the world around us.

Yes, our phone was repaired, we are re-connected to the ‘outside world’ and, more importantly, prayer keeps us connected with Jesus.

God go with you and may you go with God.

The Very Rev John F A Bond, formerly Dean of Connor.

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