On my own?

We like to feel independent, autonomous, and self-sufficient and sometimes we succeed -- or at least, we think we are succeeding... but not completely and not forever.

We are finite beings. Even when we think we are being independent, autonomous, and self-sufficient, we are still dependent upon the will and the gifts of God.

If we cut ourselves off from God, if we are not keeping ourselves open to his will and his grace, we will be unable to sustain even what we have.

In today’s Gospel (John 15:1-8), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ makes it very clear:

"Remain in me, as I remain in you.

"Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you
unless you remain in me.

"I am the vine, you are the branches.

"Whoever remains in me and I in him
will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.

"Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.

"If you remain in me
and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want
and it will be done for you.

"By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit
and become my disciples."