Lambeth - Biblical Reflection given by The Right Reverend Samuel Azariah

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Lambeth Daily
A Biblical Reflection
Posted On : August 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Posted By : Webmaster
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I am the true vine

A Biblical Reflection given by The Right Reverend 
Samuel Azariah, Bishop of Raiwind, The Church of Pakistan

Our meditation this morning is the first in the 
month of August, for our Lambeth gathering being 
the first one in the first decade of the new 
millennium. As we begin let us remind ourselves 
of John’s message to continue strengthening the 
faith of our people that Jesus is God–man and is 
the sustainer of this creation.

The Scriptures is a constant reminder of God’s 
consistent and laborious acts of creation, where 
there is need of loyal and steadfast co-creators 
to establish relationship, happiness and peace 
giving glory to the Almighty.   The Old Testament 
gives us an understanding of Israel being the 
vine or vineyard, but a disappointing one that is 
non-productive. John 15: 1-17 states about the 
change of role with Jesus being the True Vine.

As we reflect on John 15, its previous and 
following chapters, we read about our Lords great 
valedictory to the disciples, as he sends them to 
the task, for which he has been preparing them 
over the past three years.   Jesus further 
strengthens their faith and gives them confidence 
when he says: “I Am the Bread of Life, I Am the 
Way, Truth and Life, If you ask anything in my 
name I will do it, so that the Father be glorified.”

Chapter 15, has some powerful revelations that 
are simple yet difficult. To the best of my 
understanding the key message is RELATIONSHIP. It 
is only in sustained relationship with Jesus 
Christ, that our life bears meaning, producing 
the fruit of Love, Truth and Unity within the 
mission and service of the Church, the sole 
purpose being to give Glory to the Controller, 
Creator and Sustainer of all life.  (The Father 
of Jesus Christ and through him our Father).

The present situation of the Islamic Republic of 
Pakistan with an unprecedented rise of religious 
fundamentalism is a matter of grave concern for 
me not only in relation to my Muslim sisters and 
brothers and also for the church. Of equal 
concern is the growing environment of 
intolerance, arrogance and self-righteousness 
with a forceful message that our way of life is 
the best and of absolute truth. This has not only 
ruptured relationships amongst people with one 
another but is a stumbling bloc in the act of 
creation and its integrity, espousing hatred, 
division, anger, lack of tolerance and violence.

Verse 2 makes me shiver and tremble sometimes in 
my responsibility as Bishop in the Church of 
Pakistan and a colleague and brother to you all 
in the communion. Many a times we seem to be like 
the branch in the vineyard that does not produce fruit.

There is not much of an outcome of our positive 
nurturing and maturity in Jesus Christ, his 
teaching and expectations, when we fail to show 
love, concern, sacrifice and understanding for 
our fellow sister, brother, neighbour or colleague.

The true vine enhances our understanding that in 
spite of the diversity of the branches and their 
fruit we are related to the One Vine.   Our 
challenge is to be One Body, grafted in the Vine, 
fulfilling the prayer of Jesus, “May THEY be ONE as I Am ONE with YOU”.

What a beautiful conclusion of the chapter, ‘I 
call you my Friend, and I have made known to you 
everything, therefore go and produce fruit, fruit that will last.”

Let us depart with this question and concern, 
“What is that fruit that will last in the life and witness of the Communion ?”