We may love and have the best of intentions to bring non-believers, lapse Catholics or even those struggling with the faith back into the Church by imparting our knowledge and understanding of Truth. And we may even want to impart our disciplines on what and how we behave as Christians. But are we first truly connected to the source of life and joy, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ? Do we engage Him in prayer seeking His counsel in all we say and do? When it doubt do we seek the counsel too of His Holy Church, His body? Are we faithful to the Gospels?
Greeting one another in the peace of Christ, welcoming a fellow parishioner or a stranger in Church is good and all but it’s just not me! I’m a private person! My family and my career is my only calling, they are my ministry! Speaking up for the truth, giving testimony and sharing my faith is only for those who have been given the gifts to do so! Do we then ask ourselves who are we truly connected to?
Lord Jesus You are my strength, love and joy. Connected to You, I’m am able to bear abundant fruit; You fill me with Your love, peace and joy. Separated from You I will wither and die. Lord Jesus help me in my daily struggle to remain faithful. Amen
FIRST READING
Acts 15:1–6
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”
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