Summary: Jesus describes Himself as the true vine with His Father as the gardener, emphasizing the importance of pruning for greater fruitfulness. He instructs His disciples to remain connected to Him, likening them to branches that can only bear fruit if attached to the vine. Fruitfulness demonstrates discipleship and glorifies the Father, while disconnection results in uselessness and destruction. Jesus promises that staying connected and adhering to His teachings empowers disciples to have their prayers answered.
Gospel Acclamation: Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit. (John 15:4a, 5b)
Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
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. 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. 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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”