13 May
Wed
5th Week of Easter
Acts 15:1-6
Ps. 122(121):1-2,3-5
Jn. 15:1-8
(Ps Wk I)
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Jesus offers true life, the abundant life which comes from God and which results in great fruitfulness. The vinedresser must carefully prune the vine before it can bear good fruit. Vines characteristically have two kinds of branches: those which bear fruit and those which do not. The barren branches must be carefully pruned back in order for the vine to conserve its strength for bearing good fruit. Jesus used this image to describe the kind of life he produces in those who are united with him, the fruit of "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." Jesus says there can be no fruit in our lives apart from him. The fruit he speaks of is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

There is a simple truth here: We are either fruit-bearing or non-fruit-bearing. There is no in-between. But the bearing of healthy fruit requires drastic pruning. The Lord promises that we will bear much fruit if we abide in him and allow him to purify us. Let us trust in the Lord's abiding presence with us? Let Jesus be our vinedresser, let him purify us for fruitfulness. Let him change our lives.


"Lord, may I be one with You in all that I say and do. Draw me close that I may glorify You and bear fruit for Your Kingdom."

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.
Elaboration

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