I am the vine, you are the branches

 Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B - 2 May, 2021

Gospel John 15: 1–8

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more.

You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.

Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing.

Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away – they wither; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it.

It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.’

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I may like to pray this Gospel outdoors or where I can look through the window. I notice anything I can see growing around me. Becoming still, I entrust myself to the Lord’s care as I prayerfully read the Gospel, pausing wherever I feel moved.

Just as a gardener comes very close to and looks at the plant he is about to prune, perhaps in my mind’s eye I picture God coming close to me and examining me to see where I am producing fruit. I sense the warmth and tenderness, the closeness of God’s love.

Knowing that warmth of God’s love for me, maybe I reflect on times when I’ve been able to bring some of that love and warmth into the lives of others.

Being pruned brings me closer to the main vine, to Jesus, and enables new growth. I ponder if there is anything that I would like pruned within me, or in my life? Maybe I’m getting carried away by concentrating too much on something that diverts my energy and attention, preventing new growth within my life, my work, my community ...?

I talk to Jesus about this, just as a really good friend does to another, asking him to show me and help me respond.

When ready, I end my prayer with ‘Glory be to the Father ...’

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