From the Friars: Forgetting the Vine

We Americans are proud of our independence. Our big National Holiday is called “Independence Day.” We take for granted that being independent is a good thing. This is true insofar as it expresses a freedom from an unjust and oppressive authority. But the danger is a very distorted view of reality that does not recognize our complete dependence on our Creator.

In the Gospel today Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and the branches to express this truth. And He makes the bold and challenging statement, “without me you can do nothing.” Many would prefer to not acknowledge this complete dependence, mainly because it implies an obligation. We can do nothing without Our Lord first because our very existence depends on Him. And any good that we may do, think or say is a gift from Him who is the source of all that is good. This is why Jesus said, “only God is good.” (Mk 10:18)

When we do something good our natural desire is to take credit for it, and to be recognized for it. We love our trophies and blue ribbons. But our nature is fallen and one strong result of original sin is the tendency to forget that without God we can do nothing. And the paradox is that this is the truth that sets us free, free from the crushing anxiety of having to prove myself, to earn my value. It frees us from sinking into the quicksand of self-absorption.

They call millennials the Therapy Generation because record numbers of these young people seek professional help for anxiety, depression, low self esteem and other emotional sufferings. They are the same generation that has left the Church, and religion in general, in droves. They find organized religion to be confining and judgmental. Yet to know that all glory belongs to God frees us from unhealthy competition and needless anxiety. It allows us to simply be grateful for the good that He gives me and gives to everyone else.

Let us remain in Him Who created us and loved us unto death on the Cross.

All glory to His Holy Name. Amen.
–Fr. Peter