5th Sunday of Easter
A few weeks ago, I decided to prune my rose bushes. I considered digging them up and planting something that would survive heat, drought, and the occasional hard freeze and require little attention. I decided I wanted the same beautiful color, so I pruned and pruned the roses, salvia, and lantana. I am so glad I did. The response to my pruning is fantastic! Lush new greenery, buds, blooms, and butterflies are beginning to adorn the yard, but I need to do more.
Today’s readings are about pruning and the rewards received from the Spirit: peace, love, faithfulness, patience, goodness, kindness, joy, and self-control. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read about the disciples fearing Saul, not trusting that he was a true disciple, but with the help of Barnabas, the Spirit shines through Saul, bringing the disciples to believe and trust him.
We have all heard the phrase; actions speak louder than words. That is the message in the Letter of Saint John: Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and in truth. Do my actions speak louder than my words?
The gospel reading is the parable of the vine and the branches. The challenge of this gospel is to not take its words for granted. We can go to Mass, work on numerous parish committees, and be the pillars of our communities, yet we are not thoroughly pruned. Jesus assures us with these words, the Father takes every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
So, I bless you with my whole heart, dear daughters. May God keep you, make you grow in the knowledge and virtue of his holy love! (Saint Peter Julian Eymard)
Are the fruits of the Spirit blooming forth from you?
Closing Prayer:
Almighty, ever-living God, constantly accomplish the paschal mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal. Through our Lord. Amen. (Collect)