Jn 15:1–8
I am the true vine and my Father is the vinegrower. If any of my branches doesn’t bear fruit, he breaks it off; and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, that it may bear even more fruit.
You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you. Live in me as I live in you. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself, but has to remain part of the vine; so neither can you, if you don’t remain in me.
I am the vine and you are the branches. As long as you remain in me and I in you, you bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not remain in me is thrown away, as they do with branches, and they wither. Then they are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask whatever you want, and it will be given to you. My Father is glorified when you bear much fruit: it is then that you become my disciples.
REFLECTION
READ: The image of the vine and its branches gives the theme of today’s gospel. It ascertains that if we remain in Christ, we can produce much fruit. Like Paul in the first reading, he was described to be in union with Christ and his community amidst his experience of difficulties, misunderstanding and suspicions. While, the second reading gives another good point: that our faith can be manifested by our works of love. Indeed, more love can be produced if we remain in Christ.
REFLECT: A shoot separated from the plant may still seem to have life, but after a short time, the cut branch starts showing the signs of death just like Christians who abandon their faith; slowly they will be eaten up by the lure of what is worldly. How do we nurture our connection with God? How is our prayer life?
PRAY: Many times I have separated myself from your presence, Lord. I disappoint you. I disown you. I hurt you… I am sorry Lord. Let me turn back to your loving care and never allow me to be separated from you. Amen.
ACT: Join a prayer group and nurture your prayer life with the Word of God personally and as a family. Remember: “The family that prays together stays together.”
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