The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-5
John 15:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Have you ever known anyone who has a passion for growing roses, or have you ever visited a commercial vineyard? In both cases the plants are constantly pruned and kept in perfect order. The idea is to cut the non-productive parts back so that the nutrients supplied by the vine can be concentrated in only those branches that will produce large, beautiful flowers or sweet, juicy grapes.

Jesus uses the example of the vine to explain how our relationship with Him should be, although with one important difference: the branch in the vineyard cannot decide to bear fruit or not bear fruit, whereas we can. Jesus says, “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” Later in the gospel reading He says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.” The branch that is barren is quickly cut and tossed away, but for us we can remain in Him by staying in His Word, through constant prayer and in regular reception of Holy Communion.

He is the vine, the source of our nourishment and we are the branches, bearing fruit for the kingdom.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)