From the Gospel acclamation: “My sheep know my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 15:9-11)
Jesus continues to speak to the disciples in the imagery of the vine and the branches. Just as he is one with the vine grower, the Father, Jesus invites the disciples to keep his commandments and remain in his love. Keeping Jesus’ commandments is not only the means of remaining in union with him but is also the way to joy in this life and the completion of joy in eternal life in the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In speaking to each of the disciples, Jesus also speaks to everyone who would hear him.
God, help me hear your voice today as I strive to keep your Son’s commandments. If I imagine that the day I have planned is all that there is, how pitiful would that be? With the gift of understanding, let me see that the rise and fall of my many plans is not a cause for celebration or despair but the constant invitation to return to you and remain in your love so that my joy in you might be complete. Give me the grace to recognize your hand in the events of the day and in your work through me as I remain in you. Saint Athanasius, pray for us!