September 6, 2024 Daily Devotion

Come To Me

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.

John 15:5

In the August 2024 edition of the Magnificat, the story of the rich young man is a mirror for our own souls, for we are prone to think of the Lord as though he merely watches and evaluates us from a distance. He is disappointed in us when we sin, but if we’re good, he warms up to us and might start blessing us. It goes without saying that I do not mean to trivialize the importance of striving for moral goodness and practical efforts to grow in virtue. The point is that it is easy to feel that the burden of holiness lies principally on our shoulders with the assistance of Jesus.

Jesus is patience, kind, and compassionate as He bestows countless grace and mercy upon us, yet at the end of the day it is up to us to become holy. In truth, union with Jesus simply is righteousness. Jesus is active in walking with us on the path to salvation. 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. (John 15:5).