“I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”

“For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.” - Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430: Bishop and Doctor of the Catholic Church)

  

Gospel Text: (JN 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."

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A few questions for us to reflect on today: What areas of our lives need the trust and hope that God will bear fruit?  What areas of my life are becoming withered and lifeless because I have separated God from them?  For which areas is it easy for me to be grateful …which are flourishing… ?