In Jesus’ Name (5th Sunday of Easter [B] 10 May 2009)

In today’s gospel our Lord reminds us saying, “I am the vine, you are the branches.  Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

A branch, apart from the vine, withers and dies.  Like us, apart from Christ, we wither and die; we bear no fruit.  For without him, we can do nothing.  The opposite is true: with Christ, we can do all things.  Towards the end of today’s gospel our Lord says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (v. 7).  It will be done for us in his name.  That is why we end our prayers this way: “grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.”

In Jesus’ name.  How does this gospel message affect our daily lives?  In Jesus’ name we can do everything.  If I am a student, in Jesus’ name, I study hard; then I get good grades and a bright future waiting ahead.  If I am a teacher, in Jesus’ name, I prepare my lessons well; then my students become better.  If I am a vendor, in Jesus’ name, I do not cheat my customers; and because I am honest I can attract more customers.  If I am a policeman, in Jesus’ name, I do not accept any bribe whenever I catch any traffic violators; with that there is more order in the street.  If I am an ordinary employee with no big salary, in Jesus’ name, I work hard without any complaints; then I get promoted.  If I am an employer, in Jesus’ name, I make sure that I give due salary and benefits to my workers; then I gain their respect and trust.  If I am a family man, in Jesus’ name, I do not go to cockpits on Sundays but instead spend my precious time with my wife and children; then my family becomes more loving.  If I am a politician, in Jesus’ name, I honestly do my task entrusted to me by the people; then I get reelected without buying their votes.  When passing by a street I see a litter, in Jesus’ name, I pick it up and drop it in a garbage can; then I help in saving the environment.  If I am a jeepney driver, in Jesus’ name, I give way for other vehicles to pass through; then there is no traffic in the streets.

In Jesus’ name.  If in everything we do, we do it in his name, then what a world we have.  The small things we do, if done in his name, mean a lot.  And all things are possible if done in his name.

How do we know if we are living in Jesus’ name?  The first and the second readings of today’s liturgy provide us the answer.

First, we are at peace.  The first reading mentions that the early Christians are living in peace (Acts 9:31).  With peace there is progress.  Accordingly, the early Christian communities grow in numbers (ibid).  No peace, no progress.  With peace comes prosperity.  Now what about us?  Are we at peace?  If not, then we are not living in Jesus’ name.

Second, we walk in the fear of the Lord.  If we are not afraid of God, then we are not living in Jesus’ name.  The book of Proverbs goes, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (9:10).  A person who is wise does what is right.  A wise man is indeed a virtuous man.

Third, we are comforted by the Holy Spirit.  In our lives there is joy, consolation and satisfaction.  If otherwise, then we are not living in Jesus’ name.

Finally, we “love not only in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 Jn. 3:18).  In loving God, we love our neighbors as ourselves.  In Jesus’ name, we can love even our enemies.  In Jesus’ name, we can easily forgive the faults of others.  Only in keeping this commandment of love that we remain in his name. 

Then we truly become his disciples.  And in Jesus’ name, we glorify the Father.  In his name, we bear much fruit.