When I was very young in the Lord, I would ask Him for things that I needed. When I needed a ride from school, He sent an empty bus so I was able to sit where I wanted to. When I was choosing between two jobs, He led me to select the lower-paying job because, later on, the company which offered the higher-paying job closed shop. It felt I had a direct line to heaven.

Later in my life, I had prayers that were not granted or left unanswered. There were times when I felt disappointed, but I would later realize why it was not given to me or that I got the best deal after all.

It was never the case of receiving just the bare minimum with God. He always wanted what was best for me. I just had to remain in Him and trust that He would always work for my good.

Rissa Espinosa (rissa_d_espinosa@yahoo.com)

reflect

Recall all the answers to your prayers that God has given you and realize He is truly alive in your life.

Father, may I never forget that if I give my life to You, You will always work for my  good.

Saint Dominic Savio, pray for us.

The debate about the relevance of Jewish Law to the Christian faith begins. It is not a simple discussion, as Christianity is deeply rooted in its Jewish origins. Yet, the Gospel sets Christianity on a new path—freeing it from subservience to the Law and replacing it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Law remains relevant, particularly in its moral truths, but many of its social and cultural norms no longer apply in the new dispensation of the Spirit.

¹ Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” ² Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters about this question. ³ They were sent on their journey by the Church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. ⁴ When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. ⁵ But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” ⁶ The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.  

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5

R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

¹ I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” ² And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. (R) ³ Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. ⁴ To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. (R) According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. ⁵ In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. (R)    

Gospel | John 15:1-8

Jesus affirms that we need to be connected with the Father in all things. We are who we should be when we are rooted in the truth of the Gospel and in our identity as sons and daughters of the Father. Jesus discovers His true identity as the Son of God in His relationship with the Father. It should be the same for us as we are all sons and daughters of our Father in heaven.

Gospel Acclamation

Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.

¹ Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. ² He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. ³ You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. ⁴ 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. ⁵ 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. ⁶ 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. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Reflect

What are steps you take, or the habits you maintain, that helps you remain in God’s love?

Read the Bible in one year! Read DEUTERONOMY 23 - 26 today.

Jesus gives another image of our relationship with Him and the Father: He is the true vine, and we are the branches. He says that the Father prunes us—the branches—so we may bear fruit. Jesus knows the language and experience of the Jews. Growing grapes is considered one of their means of livelihood. Jesus’ listeners knew well the important connection between the vine and the branches and the significance of pruning them to bear fruit.

We again have another idea of our relationship with Jesus and the Father. We cannot but be connected with Jesus. He said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Incidentally, the Church uses this Gospel in the rite of the Sacrament of Matrimony to encourage couples to live their married life in constant union with God. The connection makes possible the good communication between them. With Jesus, guidance and graces will flow.

The same is true in our lives. We came from God, who is the Source of what we need to make our lives fruitful and fulfilled. Jesus taught that we can have the whole world, but it would not be enough for us to be saved. Apart from the Lord,we will always be wanting, searching, and restless. The world will not be enough.

Pruning is disciplining or curbing our unwanted desires. We are not perfect, and we need to be formed according to God’s teachings. Pruning may be painful, but it is temporary. God will not tolerate anything that will separate us from Him, but He needs our cooperation. When we submit ourselves to His discipline, we die a little but gain eternal life. The traces of sin in our person must be removed through pruning. Our will to repent, together with God’s mercy, makes the pruning process a possibility. 

Fr. Benny Tuazon

reflection questions

Do you see sin as a disconnection from your relationship with God? Do you experience its devastating effect on you? Do you immediately address your disconnection from God?

God our Father, we thank You for the gift of the Lord Jesus. May we never be disconnected from You. May we always strive, through Your grace, to avoid sin. Amen. 

Today, I pray for: ___________________________________