Newsletter 28th April 2024 (Fifth Sunday of Easter)
- First Reading – Acts 9:26-31: Initially distrusted, Saul joins the Jerusalem disciples through Barnabas’s support, speaking boldly about Jesus. Despite threats, he’s safely sent to Tarsus. The church then experiences peaceful growth, strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: In the presence of the faithful, I will fulfill my vows and praise the Lord. All nations will turn to Him, and future generations will hear of His righteousness.
- Second Reading – 1 John 3:18-24: We’re called to express love in actions and truth, not just words. A clear conscience gives us confidence before God. Obeying His commandments to believe in Jesus and love one another assures us of God’s indwelling Spirit.
- Gospel –John 15:1-8: Jesus described himself as the true vine and his Father as the gardener. Branches not bearing fruit are removed, while fruitful ones are pruned for more yield. He emphasized staying connected to him, akin to branches on a vine, as the key to bearing fruit. Without him, nothing can be achieved. Unfruitful branches are discarded. Fruitfulness in believers brings glory to God and proves discipleship.
Almighty God,
You have made me to know you,
To love you, and to serve you,
And thereby to find and fulfil myself.
I know that you are in all things
And that every path can lead me to you,
But, of them all, there is one path especially
By which you want me to come to you.
Since I will do what you want of me,
I pray you; send your Holy Spirit to me;
Into my mind to show me what you want of me;
Into my heart to give me the determination to do it,
And to do it with all my love, with all my mind,
And with all my strength, right to the end.
Amen.
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