May 2, 2021
THE WORD, The Vine and the Branches (spoken at the Last Supper), Source: John 15.1-8
1 [Jesus said to his disciples] I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes – so that it bears more fruit
3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
4 Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.
6 Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
8 By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
A REFLECTION
This Sunday’s Gospel speaks not just of unity, but of the fruitfulness that comes out of unity. To be part of the vine of Jesus is to be fruitful – for others.
The vine and the branches image illustrates to us not just the value of unity, but the good that unity can bring about.
Recall what Jesus said “I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.”
How simple – if we are aligned with Jesus we can bring life to others.
This is done by kindness of words, generosity, forgiveness, reaching out to those in need – Note that the image of the vine and the branches is done for the sake of the food that is to be harvested.
“Without me you can do nothing.” (This, of course, is a statement for believers, for those who want to be part of the Jesus reality).
Back to that simple reality – love is shown by the way we act, rather than by what we say, the Jesus style;
MY PRAYER
(Take a few moments to quiet down and relax in God’s presence. Recall his promise to be with us, especially at this time of prayer.)
Lord God – I recall so many gifts received, so many blessings – and at times so many difficulties and crosses –but with all – accept the prayer of thanksgiving for blessings received –especially this day, for the blessing of being part of the vine – your Son, Jesus. I do want to be part of your son, Jesus; to be part of the good as he touches others
I pray to be a fruitful branch on the vine that is Jesus. That is my innermost desire. Do I ask for too much? I would want this to be an an ultimate desire for my life with my family and friends and all – even those I do not know who come to me for aid or healing.
Jesus, you are the vine – I desire to be a fruitful branch for others –
