Whoever remains

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains
in me and I in him will bear much fruit."

John 15:5

Lectio with today's Mass readings
Acts 9:26-31; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8

Lord God,

Help us to see you,
to speak out boldly
in the name of Jesus.

Build up your Church
throughout the entire world.
May she be at peace,
walk in your ways,
be consoled by the Holy Spirit,
and grow in number.

Help us to love,
not in word or speech,
but in deed and truth.

We place our confidence in you.
We believe in the name
of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who commands us
to love one another.

As you abide in him,
and him in you,
so remain in us
through the Spirit
he gave us.

You are the gardener,
your Son the vine,
we the branches.
May we remain united
to Jesus, the true Vine,
as he remains in us.

May your Church
throughout the world,
in whose Body
you plant your Word,
speak out boldly
in the name of Jesus,
without whom
we can do nothing.

May she bear him
who gives life to all,
producing much fruit,
an abundant harvest,
the fruit of the Vine,
a heavenly feast
of rich food
and choice wine,
overflowing
for all who
remain in him.

Amen.