I have what some would call an over developed sense of responsibility. This means that I tend to feel responsible for everyone and everything in my life.

When friends and family members are unhappy about something, I feel that I have to fix it. When something goes wrong at home, work or school, I feel that I must solve the problem. While I'm sure many appreciate the help I offer, sometimes it just isn't what is needed or wanted. But in my mind, if I don't do it --- "it" being what I imagine others expect of me --- it won't get done.

Jesus' words in today's Gospel reading are cautionary for someone like me. He likens our discipleship to the branches of grape vines. "I am the vine, you are the branches," Jesus says. "Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."

"Without me you can do nothing." I don't know about you, but in my life, I try to do an awful lot without Jesus. In fact, I feel that I must. My over developed sense of responsibility makes me think I have to be the one to make everyone happy, and solve everyone's problems. When something goes wrong, I don't feel the need to pray. I feel the need to act. Sometimes, it feels better to do something than to think about what might be the best thing to do.

But if what Jesus is saying is true, anything we attempt that is not rooted in our faith is an exercise in futility. It doesn't mean things won't get done. We all accomplish a great deal with our constant efforts to sustain our lives. It just means that it won't bear the kind of fruit that really matters.

Jesus suggests that the goal in our lives is not just activity, but fruitfulness. Our lives should create something that nourishes ourselves and others. This seems like a worthy measure of the value of our choices: Are we acting out of fear or guilt or because we know what we do will create lasting value?

Our society tends to value busyness and acquisition more than anything else. We celebrate the active and the wealthy. We don't necessarily look to see what fruit or value has been created by the people we are taught to admire. Jesus says that this is the real indicator of a life well lived.

A vine that grows and grows but doesn't produce any fruit is not much good. A life that is full of activity, accomplishments and possessions but doesn't help others may not be much better. The good news in today's reading for those of us who feel hyper-responsible for others is that we need not. It is not our job to solve all the problems in the world. It is God's job. Jesus says we can stop trying to be responsible for everything but this --- to remain attached to him, that we may have much more to offer others than mere frantic activity.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.