April 29, 2018 5th Sunday of Easter B

Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31

Psalm 22

1 John 3:18-24

John 15:1-8

Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them… 1 John 3:24

“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit…” John 15:5

Lord, I remember the words of a priest one time who said that there is nothing we can do to make God love us anymore and nothing we can do to make him love us any less.   While we cannot influence how much or little you love us we have a lot to say about the quality of the relationship we have with you.  Like a loving parent who grieves over the mistakes of a wayward child real parental love never ceases.  I think of the father of the prodigal son in your parable.  You have blessed us with the freedom to choose to be in a relationship with you like the vine and branches image.  To be a successful and fruitful person we must remain attached to you.  It is your grace and abundant life that flows into us that helps us remain in you.  Lord, if I live in you and you in me, I will live a life of meaning, purpose, direction and infinite value.  Dear Jesus, when I receive your body of blood today, may I give you glory for your presence within me.  Amen.