Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 2nd

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I am the true vine and my Father is the vinegrower. 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... I am the vine, you are the branches.”

It is springtime, and with God’s help there is a reawakening of life in us all. Buds are sprouting on the trees, early flowers are beginning to appear, and John’s gospel offers another ‘I am’ teaching.

Jesus spoke to the disciples and we are numbered among them. The grace of God, the new life He gives us is directed outward to bearing fruit. Our spiritual lives depend on that grace and it impels us to bring it to others. Allow the Lord to speak through you, as you invite someone to return to life in the church, to experience the growth that comes from God and the life that brings us peace, especially in this time of trial.