Daily HOMILY for May 2, 2018: Wednesday in the 5th Week of Easter

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Wednesday 5^thWeek of Easter

Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours

May 2, 2018

WORLD’S “PRODUCTIVITY” ++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Productivity is a big & important word in our world

Ø Its only other rival in the commercial world may be the “bottom line”

Ø Pursuit of productivity results in too much stress for many people

Ø The world’s productivity is the kind that can be measured, weighed, and evaluated

Ø Think of the many human tasks that aren’t included: homemakers, raising children, volunteers, worship, caring for aging parents 

GOSPEL “PRODUCTIVITY” +++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø The comforting and beautiful words of today’s Gospel are about a more profound kind of productivity

Ø We hear Jesus say that he is “the vine and we the branches”

Ø And that “the Father is the vinedresser who prunes the vines to make them more fruitful”

Ø Moreover, he reminds us that “we can only be productive if we remain united with him”

Ø And if the branches continue to receive the nourishment coming from the vine itself and its roots, then, Jesus says,

Ø “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing?” 

COMPARING “PRODUCTIVITIES” +++++++++++++++++

Ø Putting commercial activity alongside that fruit spoken of by Jesus makes us question ourselves:

1.    In what way am I productive in the Lord?

2.    What are the signs of my union with him?

Ø From the teaching of Jesus elsewhere in the Gospels, we pretty well know what the signs of our union with the life of the risen Christ are:

1.    Genuine, practical love of making a home

2.    Effective care of children

3.    Concern for others in our volunteering

4.    Patience with aging parents

5.    Perseverance in worship

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Paradoxically, those of us who come to celebrate Mass today may be in more need of warning about this than those who come only occasionally

Ø Why? Because our productivity doesn’t appear as part of any financial or productive bottom line

Ø Yet, these are the more important qualities that make for a good life.

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