"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."
(John 15:5)
As branches cannot bear fruit if they are not connected to the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit if we are not connected to Christ. Just as the branch draws its life from the vine, we draw our spiritual life and strength from Christ. God prunes the branches, or disciplines His children, to make them more fruitful. Trials and challenges in life can be God’s way of making us more fruitful and effective for His kingdom. The fruit that we are to bear refers to the qualities of Christ-like character, also known as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Jesus promises that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us.
1 Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. 3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” (John 15:1-8)
As branches to the vine are bound, in Christ alone, our life is found. No fruit can we bear on our own, in Christ, our true Vine, we've grown. Just as the branch from the vine draws life, we draw from Christ amid strife. Our strength and life, in Him reside, in His love, we continually abide. God prunes the branches, so we see, to make us fruitful as can be. Trials and challenges, part of His plan, to shape us in His image, every woman and man. The fruit we bear, of Spirit's kind, reflects Christ's character, in us enshrined. Love, joy, peace, and patience too, kindness, goodness, faithfulness to pursue. Gentleness and self-control, we strive, in these, the Spirit's fruit alive. Qualities of Christ, in us to grow, as we abide in Him, His love to show. Jesus promises, so bold and free, if we abide in Him, ask and see. Whatever we wish, it will be done, such is the promise of the Father's Son.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You, acknowledging that we are branches connected to You, the true Vine. We understand that apart from You, we cannot bear any spiritual fruit. Just as the branch draws its life from the vine, we draw our spiritual life and strength from You. We recognize Your divine discipline as a form of pruning, making us more fruitful. We understand that trials and challenges in life can be Your way of refining us, making us more effective for Your kingdom. We desire to bear the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting Your character in our lives. This includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us to cultivate these qualities in our lives. You have promised that if we abide in You and Your words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us. We hold onto this promise, trusting in Your faithfulness to answer our prayers according to Your will. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. The gospel is for everyone, regardless of cultural or ethnic background. We are all called to be one in Christ regardless of what we do. Although we may have different backgounds and perspectives, we can still maintain unity in diversity. Any disagreement can be resolved through the value of open dialogue and discussions. It is important to show respect and trust God-appointed leaders.
1 Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” 2 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. 3 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. 4 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. 5 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.” 6 The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. (Acts 15:1-6)
In the realm where grace and faith reside, salvation's gift, in Christ, is our guide. Not by works, nor by law's demand, but by faith in Jesus, we make our stand. The gospel's call, so wide and free, echoes to all, for you and me. No walls, no bounds, in cultural tide, in Christ alone, we all abide. From every walk, from every tribe, in Christ, we're called to one great vibe. Though diverse in thought, in deed, in view, in Christ, we find a unity true. When disagreements rise, and views collide, in dialogue and discussion, let us confide. With open hearts, and minds so wide, in resolution, we take pride. Leaders appointed, by God's own hand, guide us through life's shifting sand. With respect and trust, their words we heed, in Christ, they lead us indeed.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging that our salvation is by Your grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. We thank You for this gift, unearned and freely given. We thank You for the gospel, a message of love and redemption for everyone, regardless of cultural or ethnic background. We are all called to be one in Christ, united in our faith and love for You. Help us, Lord, to maintain unity in diversity. Although we may have different backgrounds and perspectives, may we find common ground in our shared faith. Teach us to value each other's unique contributions to the body of Christ. When disagreements arise, guide us in resolving them through open dialogue and discussions. Give us wisdom to listen, understand, and learn from each other. Help us to speak the truth in love, fostering peace and unity in our community. Finally, we pray for our leaders, those You have appointed to guide us. May we show them respect and trust, recognizing their authority comes from You. Grant them wisdom and courage to lead us according to Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Worship is not just a personal practice but also a communal activity that brings believers together. We should approach worship with anticipation and joy, not as a duty or burden. Despite our differences, we are called to live in harmony with one another and respect those in authority and to pray for them. Let us seek and pray for the wellbeing of our communities, value justice and to strive for it in our societies.
1 I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. 4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5)
In the sacred halls where voices blend, worship's not just a means to an end. Not just personal, but a communal song, in unity with believers, we belong. With joy and anticipation, we draw near, not out of duty, or insincere fear. In worship's embrace, we find our worth, celebrating the One who gave us birth. Though diverse we are, in thought and deed, in harmony, to the call we heed. Respecting authority, in prayer we bow, seeking wisdom for the here and now. For our communities, we seek the best, in prayer and action, we never rest. Justice we value, for it we strive, in societies where love can thrive.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and joy. We acknowledge that worship is not just a personal practice, but a communal activity that brings us, Your believers, together. Help us to approach worship with anticipation and joy, not as a duty or burden. Let our hearts be filled with Your love and grace as we come into Your presence. Despite our differences, we are all called to live in harmony with one another. Teach us to respect and value each other's unique gifts and perspectives. Help us to show respect to those in authority and to pray for them. We pray for the wellbeing of our communities. May Your peace and love permeate every home, every street, and every heart. Let us value justice and strive for it in our societies, reflecting Your righteousness in our actions. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
John 15:1-17
First Reading
IV: The Inauguration of the Gentile Mission
COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM
Acts 15:1-12
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
A PILGRIM'S PRAYER FOR JERUSALEM
Psalm 122:1-9
Reflection Source:
Copilot
