Short Homily – Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Theme: Remain in Me, and I Will Remain in You
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📖 Gospel: John 15:1–8 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.”
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📖 First Reading: Acts 15:1–6 – “It is necessary to decide this question in Jerusalem with the apostles and the elders.”
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📖 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4ab, 4cd–5 – “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
😊 Introduction
My grandmother used to grow grapevines in the backyard. One year, I tried to "help" by trimming them… a bit too much. Come harvest time, there were more complaints than grapes! She looked at me and said, “My child, you pruned it like a jealous neighbour!”
Sometimes in life—and in faith—we need the right kind of pruning to bear fruit.
📖 The Word of God
In the Gospel, Jesus offers one of His most powerful metaphors: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” The closeness between Jesus and us is not optional—it’s essential. The branch cannot live or bear fruit apart from the vine.
The reading from Acts reminds us that remaining in Christ also means walking in communion. The early Church faced disagreement about how Gentiles should live the faith. Instead of division, the apostles chose to meet, listen, and discern together. Remaining in Christ means staying committed to unity, even when it's hard.
Psalm 122 captures the joy of unity and worship—“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” Our faith grows strongest when rooted in joyful fellowship and prayer.
✝️ Eucharist
The Eucharist is the lifeblood of the Vine. Every time we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we are nourished and renewed. It’s our spiritual fertiliser—strengthening us to bear fruit in the vineyard of the Lord.
❓ Question for Reflection
What are the "branches" in my life that are not bearing fruit—and need pruning? Am I drawing my spiritual strength from Jesus, or from fleeting things?
🛠️ Daily Practical Application
Choose one part of your spiritual life—prayer, Scripture, charity—and tend to it today. Just as we water a plant daily, so must we water our soul with attention, effort, and trust in God.
💡 For Those Who Encounter Difficulties
You may feel tired, dry, or disconnected. Like a branch in drought. But Jesus says, “Remain in me.” The vine does not abandon the struggling branch—it holds it, feeds it, and heals it in time. Trust the process. Stay connected.
✨ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?
This Jubilee Year, dig your spiritual roots deeper. Join a Scripture sharing circle, go on a pilgrimage to your diocesan cathedral, or simply spend more time in adoration. Make this year about remaining, not just running.
🌍 Pilgrims of Hope – South African Touch
Here in Mzansi, we know that the land bears fruit only when it’s well cared for. Our people, too, thrive when nourished by dignity, justice, and hope. Jesus is the source of true fruitfulness—not only for us as individuals but for our country. Stay connected to Him, and together we become a vineyard of peace.
🗣️ Inspiration Quote
"To bloom in season, remain in the Vine every day—even when the skies are dry."
🙏 Conclusion
Let us choose today to remain in Christ, to let go of what withers us, and to embrace the growth He calls us to.
Prayer for the Day:
Lord Jesus, True Vine and source of life,
Help me to remain in You today.
Feed me with grace, prune what holds me back,
And make me bear fruit for Your glory.
In this Jubilee Year, let me walk as a pilgrim of hope—
rooted in love, growing in faith, and joyful in service.
Amen.
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