TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
21 MAY, 2025
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Jesus presents Himself as the true vine and God the Father as the gardener. As branches, we are called to remain in Him—to abide continuously—so that our lives may bear fruit. Without Jesus, we are lifeless, ineffective, and disconnected from the source of all growth. Pruning, though often painful, is essential; it removes what hinders our spiritual fruitfulness and draws us closer to the heart of God. Abiding in Christ is not a passive stance—it requires daily surrender, dependence, and intimacy. Only then do our lives glorify the Father and reflect our identity as disciples of Christ.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the gardener who lovingly tends to my soul. Lord Jesus, the true vine, help me to remain in You daily. Prune from my life all that is fruitless or distracting. Teach me to stay connected to You in every thought, every choice, and every moment. May my life bear fruit that brings glory to Your Name. Strengthen my faith, and let my heart be rooted in Your love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
