Stop hustling harder, do THIS instead (John 15:5 Reflection)
Abide in the Vine
We live in a world that says, “Hustle harder, prove yourself, make it happen.” It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of work, family, healing, and responsibilities, only to realize, Wait a minute… no wonder I feel drained.
But Jesus says the exact opposite. He reminds us: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in them will bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
What I love about this verse is that Jesus doesn’t say, “Work harder” or “Figure it out yourself.” He simply says, abide.
To abide means to stay, to remain, to dwell. Think about a branch: it doesn’t sit there stressing, “I need to make grapes!” It just stays connected to the vine, and the fruit comes naturally in its season.
That’s such a good reminder for us. When life gets hard during a crisis or painful relationship we cling to God desperately. But when things calm down, we often drift. We stop running to Him like we used to, and before we know it, we’re back to striving on our own strength.
This verse pulls us back: it’s not about doing more. It’s about staying connected. Jesus is blunt here: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Not a little, not some, nothing.
Whenever I try to do life without Him whether in my healing, my career, or just managing my day I end up anxious, restless, comparing myself to others, and exhausted. But when I stay with Him, even if my circumstances don’t change, I find peace, clarity, and hope. With Him, things fall into place. Without Him, I spin my wheels and feel restless and afraid.
Here’s something else beautiful: Jesus calls Himself the vine, not the tree. A tree branch can sometimes survive a little while on its own if it’s cut off, but a vine branch withers immediately. By using this image, Jesus makes His point crystal clear: our life depends completely on Him. Apart from Him, we are spiritually dead.
He also reminds us that every branch looks different. Some are longer, some shorter. Some bear fruit at different times. Your job isn’t to be that branch over there it’s to stay attached to Him. Your fruit will come, in your season.
So what pulls us away from abiding in Jesus? Attachments. Work, money, status, relationships, even the narcissist in your life. All of these can become false vines things we think will give us life but instead drain us. Jesus is clear: only He is the true Vine. Stay attached to Him and life flows. Disconnect, and we wither.
This is where our Catholic faith makes this verse come alive. In the Eucharist, we literally receive the life of the Vine His Body and Blood flowing into us. In Confession, He prunes away what is dead so new growth can happen. In Adoration, we rest in His presence, soaking in His life.
So how do we practically abide?
In the morning, open your Bible before you open your phone. Read slowly, even just a few verses, and let one word or phrase stay with you.
During the day, pause and pray, “Jesus, I trust in You.” It reattaches your heart to Him in the middle of the chaos.
At night, pray the Examen. Look back at your day, thank Him for where He was present, and ask His grace for where you struggled.
And make time for Confession, Adoration, and the Eucharist. These moments refill your soul and keep you close to the Vine.
Here’s the encouragement: abiding isn’t complicated. We make it complicated. Jesus is simply saying: Stay with Me. Apart from Me, you can do nothing.
If you’re weary right now, maybe this is your invitation: stop striving and start abiding.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Vine and we are the branches. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to live apart from You. Draw us back into Your heart. Teach us to abide through Your Word, through prayer, and through the sacraments. May our lives bear fruit that glorifies the Father. And may we never forget that apart from You, we can do nothing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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