Open with a prayer: Christ our Vine, we gather in your name so that we may grow in our understanding and love for your word and bear fruit in your name. Prune and remove all sin, doubt and clutter from our lives. Help us, like St. Paul, to boldly proclaim our faith in you. Amen.
Sharing in life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: The Easter message of new life in the risen Christ continues in today's Gospel of the Vine and the Branches. Apart from Jesus the Vine, there can be no Spirit-life for his disciples. The letter to John reminds us to recognize Jesus as God's Son and to keep his commandments. The Spirit at work in Acts moves the recently converted Paul to present his message in Jerusalem regardless of the personal danger involved. Thus, the vine and branches constitute a living reality within the human soul and within a growing church.
Now read the readings, pausing briefly after each one.
FIRST READING: Acts 9:26-31
This reading, among other things, shows the marvelous transforming power of God's grace. These verses follow Paul's conversion story. Paul, the former persecutor, becomes a proclaimer and disciple of Jesus. Paul returns to introduce himself to the Apostles. They were naturally fearful and suspicious of him. But Barnabas, Paul's "sponsor", encouraged the Apostles to accept Paul. Then Paul immediately starts to preach about Jesus and his message. The Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) reject Paul and try to kill him.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 22
These verses celebrate a sufferer's deliverance.
SECOND READING: 1 John 3:18-24
This reading combines, in a significant way, three important theological themes: Christian love, confident belief and faithful obedience. The first exhortation is to active love. It is not enough to proclaim love for God; but we must also love one another. And if in our efforts to love, we fail and "our hearts condemn us", we ought not to worry because God's love and mercy "is greater than our hearts". In prayer, believers should go to God with utter confidence knowing that he will always bless us with what is best for us. Finally, the writer speaks about faithful obedience, which involves two things: belief in the name of God's Son and love for one another.
GOSPEL: John 15:1-8
Last week, Jesus spoke of himself as the Good Shepherd. This week he speaks of himself as the Vine, which gives divine life to all who believe in him and live according to his word. Non-fruit bearing branches will be cut away. This could be a reference to the Jews who rejected Jesus or to people who did accept him, but did not follow his ways. But, even fruit-bearing believers, Jesus will also prune or purify so that they can bear even more fruit. This daily pruning often involves dealing positively with our daily crosses and losses.
In the vine and branch imagery, Jesus explains the wonderful intimacy that exists between him and his followers and the responsibility that goes with it. Believers who nurture their relationship with Jesus by lives of faith and love will bear much fruit. But, then follows a severe warning: those who neglect their relationship with Christ, will be cut away and thrown out. It is similar to what happens in close personal relationships. Unless, they are nurtured they die.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What verse, idea or image spoke to you most? Why?
2. Who has been a Barnabas in your life? In other words, who has been your primary inspiration and supporter in your efforts to become more Christ like?
3. The vine and branches speak about the incredible union between Christ and us. What helps you to have a greater awareness of this bond?
4. Why are there so many lukewarm Catholics? What can our parishes do to change this?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on these readings. Suggestion: This week try hard to live with a more conscious sense of the "divine indwelling".
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION