Lectionary: 53
Read the Gospel: John 15:1-8
Gospel Summary
Jesus uses the image of a vine and its branches to help his listeners understand the interconnectedness and relationships between God the Father, Jesus, and all followers of Jesus. Jesus is the vine and we, the followers, are the branches that grow from that vine. The way we glorify God is by bearing much fruit and by becoming disciples of Jesus.
Reflection for Parents
Today’s Gospel invites you to consider what you are doing in your domestic Church, the Church of your home, to remain connected to the vine (Jesus) and to the vine grower (God the Father). Have any attitudes, behaviors, choices, or practices crept into family life and weakened or broken your connection to Jesus, the vine? If so, what can you do to re-establish or strengthen the connection?
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Bring your “Reflection for Parents” into a family discussion of what you are doing to remain strong in your connection to the vine (Jesus) and to the vine grower (God the Father). Then talk about things that are happening that could potentially weaken your connection to Jesus, the vine. For example, the Sunday sports schedule is taking precedence over attending Sunday Mass and religious education classes. Or, the busy pace of weeknights has crowded out time for family prayer at the end of the day. Make a plan to re-energize your connection to the vine, and work together to accomplish the plan!
Discussion Starters
Use today’s discussion time to take a walk together. Notice new growth on the trees and bushes, and pause in your walk to name ways you are growing in faith and bearing good fruit. Continue walking, and point out any dead branches or leaves that have fallen away from the trees. Pause to quietly pray for forgiveness for any ways in which you have turned away from Jesus, the vine.
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