This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, April 28, 2024 is from 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 every one 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. . .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.”
Reflection
“We are connected to each other, like the branches of a vine. All of us are connected to Jesus as the vine itself. As the vine, Jesus gives us support and sustenance, enabling us to bear fruit. We do this when we put our faith into practice.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2024
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Acts of the Apostles 14:5-18; John 14:21-26
Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (Memorial) – At the age of six, Catherine experienced a vision and dedicated herself to God. She joined the Dominican Third Order. Around age twenty-one, she felt called to become more active in the world, caring for the poor and tending the sick. She is especially remembered for her spiritual reflections, The Dialogue.
Tuesday Acts of the Apostles 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a
Wednesday Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6; John 15:1-8
Thursday Acts of the Apostles 15:7-21; John 15:9-11
Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial) – Athanasius became one of the most dedicated opponents of the heresy of Arianism. Much of his life was a testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Friday 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14
Saints Philip and James, Apostles (Feast) – Philip and James were apostles of Jesus. The choice of Philip as a disciple is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel records several conversations between Jesus and Philip. James, the son of Alphaeus, is called “James the Less” (to differentiate from the other St. James, son of Zebedee). He is mentioned in Mark and in Acts.
Saturday Acts of the Apostles 16:1-10; John 15:18-21
SOURCE: Living with Christ, April 2024 and May 2024