Scripture readings, reflection

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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – MAY 6

By Father Andrew Kelly

If a believing community is surviving and thriving, it is very aware and lives the intimate relation of Sunday’s Gospel (John 15:1-8).
When Jesus says, “I am the vine and you are the branches” the community understands in its soul that Jesus abides in the community and the community abides in Jesus.
If the community ignores this relationship and never nourishes it, it becomes nothing more than a dead branch that needs to be cut away and burned.
Thus the importance of listening very intentionally and decisively to the Scriptures: “You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.”
The community that lives and abides in Jesus’ presence begins to bear and manifest the justice and holiness of God that Jesus revealed. This is the fruit of the vine Jesus and Jesus’ community branches.
Because of Jesus’ lively presence, anything the community prays for is answered.  But the only community prayer is that it will imbibe Jesus’ spirit and be disciplined in the practice of Jesus.
Flowing from the prayer, Jesus’ goal becomes the community’s only goal: “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)

Scripture Readings for May 6-13
Sunday
Acts 9:26-31
1 Jn 3:18-24
Jn 15:1-8
Monday
Acts 14:5-18
Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday
Acts 14:19-28
Jn 14:27-31a
Wednesday
Acts 15:1-6
Jn 15:1-8
Thursday
Acts 15:7-21
Jn 15:9-11
Friday
Acts 15:22-31
Jn 15:12-17
Saturday
Acts 16:1-10
Jn 15:18-21
Sunday
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
1 Jn 4:7-10
Jn 15:9-17

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