Staying Connected to Recharge the Batteries

Scripture Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 6, 2012)

Scripture Readings:
Acts 9:26-31
Psalm 22
1 John 3:18-24
John 15:1-8

I remember two or three months ago when I agreed to write another reflection for Catholics on Call. It was way back in the winter months – or at least January or February, who knows if they can be considered winter! – and I figured I had plenty of time to write up a brief statement of my reactions to the Fifth Sunday of Easter’s readings. Well, what seemed to be two months, turned out to be two days! Last week Sunday I reminded myself that I had to submit the document I haven’t even started – or even given thought to! I asked myself where the time had gone and how I’ll manage to write it while preparing for finals. Yes, at Saint Mary’s stress levels are running high, deadlines are approaching, and the end of the tunnel is dim on this night before the last day of school.

In the midst of all the turmoil of classes, my girlfriend and I had one of our more dramatic breakdowns of the last 375 days of our relationship. Sparing the details, both she and I knew the place I almost stormed off to at the climax of our discussion. The chapel has become a favorite place of mine in the last three years, and I often find myself there asking for mercy, looking for guidance, giving thanks, and praying for me and her. In reflecting on the readings for this Sunday, I am reminded of how our relationship started and why it continues. Both of us have remained in Him and have become fruit because of it.

In studying theology, I learn some very interesting facts, namely, that the Eucharist is the time to recharge our batteries and renew our commitment to serve the all loving God. This week’s Gospel reminds us that to keep that commitment, we must remain connected to God and Jesus so as to gain the needed strengths to fulfill that commitment. To be fruit made from the finest vineyard on this side of the Universe, we must stay connected to the vine that supplies us with the energy (some would say food, water, strength, wisdom, or other names for the gifts of God) needed to live as active disciples of Jesus Christ in our world. It is by remaining connected to God and the Trinity that we are able to live lives of service, unity, peace, justice, and love. Now of course there are many ways to stay connected. Prayer, attending Mass, studying Scripture, meditation, adoring the Blessed Sacrament, going to confession, and serving other people are just a few.

Now for those of you timid of the work load this connection might require it is my experience that once your heart and soul makes this connection, they will react in a similar way to that of a biological process called a positive feedback system. Simply put, a positive feedback system calls for more of the same stimuli – in this case, a connection with God and Jesus (see? faith and science really can coexist!). I have found that God will appear in mysterious places and at the most random times in life. I’d like to share two examples of God’s most recent appearances in my life. A day ago, He came to me in a phone call from the person who introduced me to my girlfriend; she called to offer insight and encourage me to remain steadfast in my love for our mutual friend during our time of pain. A few hours later, I walked over to see my girlfriend to talk about what was going on between us, and today we are back to being the best of friends making decisions that are best for both of us instead of only just me. The second example took place a few weeks ago when I was in the smaller chapel on campus. I had come to ask the simplest question of discernment: am I doing what I should be? The answer came not five seconds later when a teacher from an adjacent classroom shouted “YES,” presumably in response to a student’s question. Somehow, in that time I had spent in the chapel, the connection was clear: my prayer had been answered. So, as she frequently asks me, why is it that I often find myself in the chapel after visiting my girlfriend? It is because my heart and soul long for more and deeper connections with the God who blessed me with her.

I stay connected to the vine through a love of liturgy and constant prayer. What’s your connection?