Reflection on the Lectionary: John 15:1-8
Animals: Tradition - Philosophy - Religion Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

Stephen Kaufman, M.D., Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

Reflection on the Lectionary: John 15:1-8
(May 10, 2009)

This passage includes Jesus telling his disciples, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” Jesus and the epistles often stress the importance of faith, and they emphasize that faith manifests itself as works. James wrote, “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead . . . I by my works will show you my faith (2:17-18).
 
Jesus prayed to God, “Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven.” If we are to take this desire seriously, a crucial aspect of our Christian calling is to assist in making the earth resemble heaven. We are told that in heaven “death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4), and it follows that we should do our best not to participate in killing.
 
Regarding distinguishing true prophets from false prophets, Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).  I don’t think diet determines salvation, but those who sponsor cruelty to God’s creatures by paying people to cause pain, suffering, and early death to innocent creatures are not manifesting Christ’s faith in a loving, compassionate, merciful God. 

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Go on to: Reflection on the Lectionary: John 15:9-17
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