May 6, 2015

May 6

May 6, 2015:  Wednesday, Fifth Week of Easter



  • Tie with grapes, other fruit:  "I am the true vine"; bear fruit (gospel)


  • Red and white shirt, white socks:  Red for fire ("Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch, wither, and be thrown into a fire and burned") (gospel), white for Easter season

  • 'Sailboat' tie bar:  disciples go to Jerusalem about the question about circumcision and salvation (1st reading)


Listen

Pope Francis audience
Christian marriage is that sacrament which builds up the community of the Church and of society.  Marriage has been inscribed in creation’s design by God, and, by his grace, countless Christian men and women have lived married life fully.
Marriage is an act of faith in God’s plan and an act of selfless love.  Married love is an image of the love between Christ and his Church, so a husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, by giving himself completely for her.  People who marry in the Lord participate in Church's missionary life, living not only for themselves but for everyone, so marriages that show forth this beauty enrich the Church, but disfigured marriages impoverish it.
Every couple that faithfully and courageously lives the grace of this sacrament assists the Church in offering faith, hope, and love to all, and helps others to experience these gifts in their lives and families.  May all married couples live this mystery more fully, trusting in God’s tenderness and the Church’s maternal care.
Read
  • Acts 15:1-6  Because much dissension followed the instruction of some that you needed to be circumcised to be saved, they decided to go to the Apostles and presbyters about the matter.  When they arrived, they were welcomed, they reported what God had done, and the Apostles and presbyters met to see about the matter.
  • Ps 122:1-5  "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord."  We've set foot within Jerusalem.
  • Jn 15:1-8  "I am the vine; my Father the vine grower who prunes branches so they bear more fruit; you, the branches.  Remain in me, as I in you, and bear fruit."
Reflect
    • Creighton:  Once we've determined the sources of grace in our lives, we need to pay attention to and nurture them.  Examples:  prayer, prayerful reception of the Eucharist, time with nature, reflection...  What in my life is and isn't bearing fruit?  Jesus, help me with any needed pruning or nourishment....
    • One Bread One Body:  "Cut the Lord a break":  The Lord farms inconsistently:  pruning, then refuses to cut even the weeds, allowing an unproductive fig tree to go another year fruitless, cursing a fig tree without fruit, then allowing unfruitful farmers to treat him with contempt, then kill even his Son.  But the Father is always the Vinegrower, knowing the right action for each situation.  May I cultivate a response of gratitude for all his actions and rejoice when God shows patience and compassion to the less fruitful....
      I am the vine...
      (animate)
    • Passionist:  Today's gospel is about the importance of communication and connection.  Soil connects to roots, roots to vine, vine to branches, and branches to fruit.  To produce fruit, all levels need to be connected and communicating:  roots, vine, and branches must work together to yield fruit.  Similarly, for us to bear fruit, a spiritual dynamic must be in place, with life flowing from God to Christ, the Spirit, and us.  God (the soil) created the resources we need to be faithful disciples (fruitful branches).  Christ (the vine) has released God's love by his death and resurrection; the Holy Spirit (sun, air, water) surrounds us with God's power and Christ's life.  Stay connected to the vine and the grower so God can work through us and produce fruit....
    • Universalis:  Bl. François de Laval, bishop, founded seminary, built schools and churches...
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