Greetings on this the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 9:26-31; Ps 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32; 1 Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8
Notes
A wonderful homily from Fr Duffy: https://www.fatherduffy.com/the-vine-and-the-branches-living-connected-to-christ/
We are in a season of Joy.
In today’s gospel portion we are given the imagery of a Vine Master, Vine, Branch and Fruit.
The Father, the Vine Master, has the ultimate plan and vision. He can see well beyond the immediate and cultivates a plan full of joy. A joy that comes from him into the entirety of what the living vine touches. Jesus, the living and true Vine, is the expression of this plan. He reaches out from the Father into the Universe and in every time, place, person and all living things. We, the branches, are the bearers of the fruit. What a marvel!
The Father has given our mortal nature the gift of holiness! Set aside to deliver the fruits of the divine love. We carry the echo of the heavenly hymn of praise. He has given us voice to sing praise throughout this season of joy (variation of the Intercessions of the LOTH, Fifth Sunday of Easter).
Reflection
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 me‘ and ‘my words remain in you‘ are the significance of the intimacy of the divine-human plan. We decide to remain in Jesus. We decide to allow his words to remain is us. We become like him in holiness and power. Jesus, reminded us often his power, words, acts and teachings are from the Father. He wants us to experience the same joy he has in the Father.
Personal Reflection
I am most at peace when I am in harmony with the Lord. In a sense, my health is as both receiver of the divine grace and a branch that allows the divine love to flow through me unto others. It is for me and for others. Both, Not either or.
First Reading
The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.
Responsorial
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
All the ends of the earth
shall remember and turn to the LORD;
all the families of the nations
shall bow down before him.
Second Reading
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us.
Gospel Acclamation
Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
Gospel
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.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 