Fifth Sunday of Easter
Intention: For all youth, that they might receive in their lives the understanding, accompaniment, and love that they need to discover and embrace their best, truest selves.
Today’s Gospel | 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.”
From the Third Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
All your care for the children entrusted to you would be useless if Jesus Christ did not give the quality, the power, and the efficacy needed to make your care useful. Because the branch of the vine cannot bear fruit of itself (our Lord says) unless it remains attached to the main stem, neither can you bear fruit if you do not remain in me. This will be the glory of my Father, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
What Jesus Christ says to his holy Apostles he also says to you, that you may understand that all the good you are able to do in your work for those entrusted to you will be true and effective only insofar as Jesus Christ gives it his blessing and you remain united with him. It is the same for you as it is for the branch of the vine, which can bear fruit only if it remains attached to the main stem and draws its sap and strength from the vine, which is also the source of all the goodness of the fruit.
Prayer
Eternal Father, there is nothing good that we can do with our lives apart from you. You are the beginning and the end of all meaning and purpose in the world. Help us to always remain faithful to your ways and determined to build your Kingdom. By the power of your grace, may we come to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.