--- title: Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/11/12 description: Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/11/12 --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2012/05/11/daily-scriptures-reflection-for-51112#) # Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/11/12 May 11, 2012 8:34:16 AM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) Scripture: Lectionary 289. 5/11/12. Acts 15:22-31. Psalm 57:8-9.10-12. John 15:12-17 [Friday's Readings](http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051112.cfm) Fr. George W.MacRae, S.J., in his precise commentary on John tells us about the way to view and understand the symbol of the vine and the branches. He states “…perhaps, we should regard the vine symbol on a par with many of the other Johannine symbols such as water, bread, light, and the rest. They are chosen because their value as religious symbols is widespread—perhaps, in the experience of the evangelist, universal.” (Invitation to John, p.183). Jesus has begun this extended image-example of the vine and the branches by telling us that he is identified as “I AM” or the Greek original “Ego Eimi”. This identification is used only in John and tells us that Jesus and God his Father are one! We first heard of this title for God when he appeared and revealed this mysterious name “I who am” to Moses through the burning bush on Mount Sinai. For Jesus this is the identity he gives to us through the Fourth Evangelist that makes him equal to God. We are at the foundational revelation of the Christian religion through this expression used by Jesus with all of the symbols in the Gospel of John. The universalism of the Gospel extends itself to all peoples, all nations through this identification of who Jesus is or can be for them if they have the faith and grace to believe in him. Many of the listeners during the time of Jesus would be most familiar with an image-example of the vine and branches. They thus could understand that Jesus is speaking of the intimacy he wishes to have with everyone who listens with a believing heart and mind to what he is revealing about himself and his own intimate relationship with his Father. His language was easily understood through this agricultural imaging with which they were so familiar. It made sense to them but pushed them to go deeper into what he meant by it for them. He does not remain with the image but goes to the necessity of doing the commandment of love through absolute trust in him. This love is called “agape” or total self-giving of one’s love to God, to Jesus, and to our neighbor. Such love also enables each person to reach the human wholesomeness that can be achieved by love based on trust in a Divine Person. Bishop Fulton Sheen was hinting to this agape love in the sacrament of marriage when he said, “It takes three to make a marriage.” He meant that God has to be connected to the love of the spouses. As individuals we belong to a family and to a community where such agape love must make us transparent to the members of the family and community to which we belong. No duplicity, or passive aggressive behavior is part of this self-giving love. God pours out his love into our hearts and makes them similar to the sacred heart of his Son Jesus. The Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Word of God are essential to this love of God, neighbor, and self. Amen. Alleluia. 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