“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). These words are part of an expansive teaching by Jesus on the importance of coming to new life in him, abiding in him, and being sustained by him sacramentally. We know that to live in communion with Jesus is to share in the divine life of God. To live in communion with Jesus is to truly live, to be alive, and to live with an orientation toward eternal life.
In recent years, the challenges presented by technology, which seems to invade every aspect of our lives, often create digital barriers that quietly but significantly cut us off from one another. I say “quietly” because the technology is often accompanied by the ubiquitous headphones or earbuds that say: “I’m in my own space, don’t bother me right now.”
Upon these challenges, we have been navigating a global pandemic that has further isolated us from one other and from God. Our relationships with one another are so much more than texts and emojis, and our relationship with God is so much more than just an intellectual hobby. These relationships are real. And God invites us into the most amazing relationship we could ever imagine, one that we do not merit, but one that changes us forever and places us on a pathway to eternal life. We are called to communion and to be part of the body of Christ.
As Jesus continues his teaching in John, he says: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you” (Jn.15: 7). Here Jesus asks us to allow his word to find rich soil in our hearts so that the truth he shares with us can take root and transform our lives. In doing so, our lives radiate the love, mercy, and compassion of the living God. We are drawn into a life of conversion and express a real desire to give witness to the one who has given us new life.
As you read the feature articles of this issue of Mosaic, I pray that you find renewed hope in the call that Jesus gives for us to be a people called to holiness, a people called to abide in him, a people called to be in communion with him sacramentally, and a people called to give witness to a world that communion in the Lord brings life!
May God bless you for your continued support of Sacred Heart Major Seminary!
Read the complete Spring 2021 issue of MOSAIC Magazine here.