129,1994 The Message -- for Catholics of Southwestern Indiana 9
Commentary --
Jesus as the true vine: Who is the false vine?
Fifth Sunday of Easter,
15:1.8.
it has been pointed out before
ies how the au-
of John intends
that Jesus perfects
as favorite or
and how Jesus re-
perfects not only Israel it-
ns and feasts
Jesus is "Son of
sense. He is the
He is life and gives life
to the great Torah of Is-
Ci00h
By FATHER
DON DILGER
COLUMNIST
writes in 1:17, "The Torah was given
, but grace and truth came through
even hints at Jesus as the new
seamless robe story of John 19.
nstrates or at least indicates
s the Passover Lamb and indi-
Sacrificial system of Judaism when he in-
death through Old Testament texts
:r to the Passover Lamb. And so it
is gospel.
not and do not feel comfortable today
antagonism and animosity toward Ju-
Was in serious debate and sometimes
with the Judaism of his time, the end
century. The group for which this author
Seems to have been expelled or excom-
e synagogue, probably over devel-
Christian theology about Jesus, his
mission, his continuing spiritual pres-
ence in the congregation. Thus
when we see the bitterness which
this gospel demonstrates against
Jews and Judaism, we must at-
tribute it more to the time of John
than to the time of Jesus, for
Jesus and his first followers were
Jews to the core. As Christianity
developed from a movement
within Judaism into an adolescent
and then fully grown daughter-re-
ligion, mother and daughter came
into bitter conflict.
In today's reading we have
another reflection of this conflict.
It is the parable of Jesus as TRUE
vine. There is Old Testament background essen-
tial to interpreting this parable in its historical
context or setting in life. Such an interpretation is
foundation to any genuine interpretation. Psalm
80 speaks of a vine the Lord brought out of Egypt.
That vine prospered and covered the forests and
grew into seas and rivers. Now it was broken
down. The Greek text of Jeremiah 2:21 speaks of
Israel as a TRUE vine that has turned into a wild
vine. Ezekiel 15:1-5 compares the inhabitants of
Jerusalem to a vine branch that will be used as
fuel for fire and will be charred, useless for any-
thing. Ezekiel 19:10-14 speaks of Israel as a fruit-
ful vine full of branches due to abundant water.
That vine, the prophet says, has been pulled out,
stripped of fruit and planted in a dry land produc-
ing nothing. Thus when John's parable proclaims
Jesus as TRUE vine it is a claim that Jesus has
replaced Israel. We must abstract from animosity
toward Israel and say that Jesus is indeed the true
vine who continues and reestablishes Israel as is
said of God's Servant in Isaiah 49:6, "...to raise up
the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Is-
rael."
The parable speaks not only of the vine but also
of the branches. We know that John frequently used
those parts of Old Testament literature called the
wisdom literature to interpret Jesus and his influ-
ence on those who follow him. The union between
vine and branches is best stated in Sirach 24:17-22,
"I am like a vine putting out graceful branches. Ap-
proach me, you who desire me, and take your fill of
my fruits. They who eat me will hunger for more.
They who drink me will thirst for more. Whoever lis-
tens to me will never be put to shame and whoever
works in me bill never sin." No better interpretation
can be found of the words in John's vine and
branches parable: "I am the vine. You are the
branches. Those who abide in me and I in them, they
are the ones who will hear much fruit, for apart from
me you can do nothing."
The parable includes a prognosis and a warning.
Those who remain united to Jesus bear much fl'uit.
Those who do not remain united with him will
wither, be cut off, and thrown aside for firewood. The
Father is glorified, i.e. made known, only through
the bearing of fruit. Unity with Jesus is never unpro-
ductive or static. It is like electric current that ulti-
mately brings power and light not only to ourselves
but to others. If we are alive with knowledge and
love of Jesus, we will share it with others, "and so
prove that you are my disciples."
Readings: Acts 9:26.31; 1 John 3:18.24
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