Prayer:
Bring forth your fruits in me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.
Context:
Jesus begins a long discourse, which the apostles do not interrupt by any questions. In this text, Jesus uses the imagery of vine and branches, highlighting the necessity of the disciples being one with Jesus.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
“I am the true vine. My Father is the vinedresser. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit. A branch that bears fruit, he will prune, so that it bears more fruit. You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him bears much fruit. Without me you can do nothing.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus seeks the fruit of a devout life that brings forth prayer and virtues.
- If a soul brings forth good works the Father prunes it.
- The Father (the vinedresser) does everything to gain more fruit from the vine.
- Every branch must “abide.” A cut-off branch can bring forth no fruit.
- Jesus says it perfectly, “I am the vine. You are the branches.”
- His conclusion is self-evident. “Whoever abides in me brings forth much fruit.”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, you alone are the vine that gives life. I will abide in you.
- I once was a dead branch, but you have grafted me onto yourself. Now, I bear fruit.
- Father, prune away all that is lifeless in me.
- Jesus, I want to bring forth greater virtues, pleasing to you.
- Jesus, I only need to abide in you. You do the rest.
- With you, all things are possible. This is the secret of staying with you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will abide with Jesus by thinking of him often today.
+ I will dedicate this whole day to Jesus.