FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 2, 2021
A reading of the holy Gospel according to 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.”
REFLECTION
The land of Israel was covered with numerous vineyards. Vineyards are mentioned throughout the Bible. Without being firmly rooted with the vine the branch is unable to flower, unable to bear fruit.
The wine grower does everything to make his vineyard fertile and productive. He will prune and cultivate his grape vines. God is the wine grower and He will do all to make his vineyards prosper. Jesus is the vine whom we are attached to and if we follow His Word, allow pruning and cultivating, we have the promise of eternal life. Are we a fruitful union with Jesus, the Vine? Can we bear the expected fruits of a Christian life?
For God to bear His fruit in the world, He depends on us, to remain attached to Him to bear a good crop. We are to be the branches of Christ the Vine, spreading His Word.
God Bless You
Comments