Dear Saints,

Think about the word remain. It can suggest inactivity: Let’s remain at home while the others go out. But it really means something more like “continue to exist:” A storm demolished the house; the foundation is all that remains.

When Jesus exhorts us to remain in him and promises that he will remain in us, he’s not setting us up for a stagnant state of affairs. On the contrary, he’s previewing for us a stable yet dynamic reality in which all things are possible.

Whether we recognize it or not, acknowledge it or not, the stark fact is that we can’t do anything on our own: we simply don’t have the strength, intelligence, stamina, or power to make one bit of difference. Without God, our efforts are worthless and foolish. But with him, our impact resounds across time and space in ways we can’t even contemplate. It is when we exist in Jesus that our parish community, families, friendships, workplaces, and neighborhoods know his peace.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ