Scripture Reading
John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection
Branches do not produce fruit by trying harder — they produce fruit by staying attached. The pressure we put on ourselves to do more, be more, accomplish more often comes from a subtle belief that the results are up to us. Jesus reorients us: your one task is to remain in him. Fruit follows abiding.
Prayer for Today
Mary, mother of Jesus,
I want to love and love like you.
I want to love the Father, I want to love like Jesus.
Mother of Jesus, blessed are you.
Mother of Jesus, my mother too.
Help me to live like Jesus and help me to live like you.
I want to love and love like you.
I want to love the Father, I want to love like Jesus.
Mother of Jesus, blessed are you.
Mother of Jesus, my mother too.
Help me to live like Jesus and help me to live like you.
Amen.