Jesus said, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.
John 15:1-4
I write from Austin, Texas, at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention. There is already much to share with you from this gathering of Episcopalians from around the country and the world. Our deputation is energized, working hard to share our gifts and bring back learnings to the Diocese of Washington.
This morning the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preached a sermon that was the culmination of months’ worth of prayer and collaborative effort among many in the Church (including several from EDOW) and that sets the stage for the next three years of his tenure.
Reflecting on Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, he encouraged each one of us, as members of the Episcopal Church, to join him in committing to specific spiritual practices, The Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus Centered Life.
I cannot urge you strongly enough to listen to the Presiding Bishop’s sermon. It is as powerful or more than his sermon at the Royal Wedding.
Drawing from the deep wells of spiritual wisdom and practice from our Church, he calls all to a living faith, with practices to help us go deeper in love for Jesus and to live in ways that embody Jesus’ love for others and for our world.
After you listen to his words, you can visit the Episcopal Church’s website, where you will find carefully curated materials that will help us all. While there are surely things we can explore together, for now I simply encourage you to consider these practices for yourself. How would it feel to commit to them?
