WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 15:1-8) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” (Jn 15:8)

FIRST READING - Acts 15:1-6

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,

"Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,

you cannot be saved."

Because there arose no little dissension and debate

by Paul and Barnabas with them,

it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others

should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters

about this question.

They were sent on their journey by the Church,

and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria

telling of the conversion of the Gentiles,

and brought great joy to all the brethren.

When they arrived in Jerusalem,

they were welcomed by the Church,

as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters,

and they reported what God had done with them.

But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers

stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them

and direct them to observe the Mosaic law."

The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - Jn 15:1-8

From the Gospel according to John

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 everyone 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."

WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 15:1-8)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

Jesus said to His disciples, as well as to all His children:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit."

God loves all of humanity. He shows people how to live in order to have peace, happiness, and to bear much fruit. Bearing fruit, in this context, means participating in the work of saving souls from the captivity of Satan.

Without God, no one could do anything. Only God gives the strength to help people be courageous, live with love, make sacrifices, give generously, and let go of bad habits so they can receive into their souls the love and unity that come from God. He is the vine—the strength and the sap that nourish the branches, which are people.

What sap does God give people and call them to live by?

It is to speak words of love, to give love with all your heart and body; to know how to share, to live charitably toward others, and to live sacrificially—to love as God has loved.

Today’s Word of God teaches us to have God's true peace in our souls and to remain in His love.

Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Ask Him for the strength to fight against the enemy, Satan, who lurks every second and every minute, waiting for the opportunity to tempt you and steal your soul away from God, bringing pain and torment by separating your soul from God.

But God loves all people. God calls His children to live and practice according to His teachings.

Thanks be to God. Amen.