Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15, 1-8
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
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.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
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.
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.
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.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
Remain in God
1. The vine grower. God is that vine grower who prunes and trims the vine. He supervises our growth, and by this I don’t mean He controls us like a police officer, but that He guides us and brings out the best in us. Today God reminds you that He is by your side and seeks that you give your all. He wants you to feel fulfilled and that you should find the abundance He offers.
2. Remain in me. Today, God invites you to hold on to Him, to remain in Him. Stay close to God; make your life in Him and with Him. Bear this in mind as something we all have to work on in our church community. Just think how many Christians receive their First Communion and Confirmation and then never return to church after that. The sense of belonging to the Church and our continuity in it is something we must work on and deepen. Maybe you and I are part of the reason people don’t feel that they belong or don’t continue coming to church. Let’s think about that.
3. To bear fruit. We are called to bear fruit, to give the best of ourselves to others. If we remain in God we will bear eternal fruit. The best fruit you can share with those around you is peace and joy. Cheer up, we have to fill this world with good fruit!
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
