As the disciples gathered in the upper room on that first Pentecost, “suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as a fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2: 2-4)

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter the Church calls us to reflect upon our relationship with Jesus as branches on the true vine. “Abide in me, as I abide in you,” He says. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15: 4-5). With this description, Jesus distinguishes himself as more than a philosopher or a wise moral teacher, more than a prophet of God. He is the very source of life, itself! No teacher of another religion was ever so bold as to say, “Without me you can do nothing.”