Reflections on Scripture | Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

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 everyone 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.”

Reflection

During the Last Supper that Jesus spent with His disciples, He longed for them to understand the most important things. And one of the things He made clear to them is if they open their hearts and let God dwell in them like He dwelt in Jesus, they would have this abundant life and bring life to other people. Fruitfulness will follow.

It's a promise that our hearts long to fulfill. And he tells us over and over again, Just ask and receive the gift that I know you can be.

Closing prayer

Father, Your promised fruitfulness is a source of great joy and peace for all of us as we live this life together in community. The joy that comes from loving and being loved is the heart of your message. Let us be filled with it. Knowing that you are the source and we are the servants. Your friends, who love as you've taught us to love. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

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Kyle Cross