ACTS 15:1-6, PSALM 122 AND JOHN 15:1-8

The branches depend on the stem for survival; but the stem does not depend on its branches for survival.  Jesus himself says in John.15:5  apart from me you can do nothing. St Paul imitates these words in Phil.4:13 I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Despite the frustration a branch may go through in as much as it remains connected to the stem it will survive. If you like hide the branch from the sun and rain in as much as it remains connected to the stem it will survive. In the same vein, we can survive hard times if we do not break away from the vine. In the first reading, Paul resorted to the authority in Jerusalem over the issue of circumcision. He was a branch that did not separate himself from the stem. Thus, he was fruitful. If we remain connected to the vine we shall always be fruitful.

LET US PRAY

O God, restorer and lover of innocence, direct the hearts of your servants towards yourself, that those you have set free from the darkness of unbelief may never stray from the light of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.