In today's Gospel reading from John 15, we get a bit of a horticulture lesson from Jesus. He says, "I am the vine, you are the branches." He talks of being pruned, bearing fruit and remaining in Him.
Jesus also says this, "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." What could this possibly mean? Hell, of course.
It's wonderful to accentuate the positive aspects of Jesus' teachings. It would be easy to gloss over His references to winding up in hell. But that would be a disservice. You see, there is a hell. And there is a possibility that one may end up there, by not "remaining in Him." Setting Jesus aside - even for a brief moment - could have disastrous eternal consequences.
Father, give us the grace to always remain in Jesus, that we may spend eternity with you...and not in the other place. Amen.
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