THE VERB OF FAITHFULNESS

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter we want to focus on an invitation from Jesus: “Abide in me, and I in you” (Jn 15.4). Let us focus first on the verb “to remain” (menein). As is known, this verb (which occurs very frequently in our passage) reflects a relationship with Christ determined by stability. This stability has a secret: loyalty. Abiding in Christ is equivalent to being faithful to Christ. Jesus knows very well that in the time of his absence the disciples will be tested precisely in their fidelity to the Master and therefore to the Gospel. How then can we remain faithful to him along the twists and turns of history? We must first clarify what faithfulness is. Loyalty is a total adherence of the I to the Thou; an adhesion so strong that time does not wear away, does not consume, does not compromise but roots and deepens; an adhesion that no test bends or scratches. What does this tell us? That loyalty is certainly not a static dimension within the relationship but a dynamic one. Loyalty is also an active membership. Why active? Because he doesn’t live on an income but commits himself daily to responding to the Lord’s calls. It is then a constant adhesion, because being faithful to him means being consistent with the commitment of love undertaken towards him. As such, fidelity is marked by continuity. Last but not least, loyalty is a creative adhesion. Yes, being faithful does not mean reciting a script but growing (and wanting to grow) in the relationship with the Master.   Of course, perhaps this seems utopian to some and it is if we forget that Jesus, precisely in the supreme act of his offering, poured out his Spirit: “And bowing his head, he gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30). The expression parédoken tò pnéuma literally means: “he delivered the (Holy) Spirit”. Remaining in Christ therefore is equivalent to remaining in the grace of this gift, which not only binds the Master with the disciples in a mutual immanence but establishes a unique and singular relationship where all loneliness is overcome and where each of us finds our most authentic fullness.

Commentary by b. Sandro Carotta, osb
Abbazia di Praglia (Italy)

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves,
Prinknash Abbey