💖 HOMILY - MAY 6 💖

First Reading - Acts 15:1-6

Gospel - John 15:1-8

In life, we often try to grow, succeed, and bear fruit through our own efforts. Yet, despite all our hard work, there are times when we feel unproductive, disconnected, or spiritually dry. Today’s Word of God reminds us of a simple but profound truth: real growth and fruitfulness come only when we remain united with Jesus Christ.

In the first reading, we see an important issue arise in the early Church. Some believers insist that new converts must follow certain traditional practices. This leads to disagreement and confusion. Instead of allowing division to grow, the apostles and elders gather to discern the matter together.

This moment shows us that the Church grows not only through preaching, but also through prayerful discernment and unity. When challenges arise, the community turns to God and seeks guidance together.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us the beautiful image of the vine and the branches. “I am the vine, you are the branches.” He makes it clear: a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains connected to the vine. In the same way, we cannot bear spiritual fruit unless we remain in Him.

Jesus also speaks about pruning. Sometimes, parts of our lives are cut away—not to harm us, but to help us grow more fully. God removes what is unnecessary so that we may become more fruitful.

Dear friends, these readings invite us to reflect on two important aspects of our faith: unity and connection.

First, unity. Like the early Church, we may face disagreements or challenges. But instead of allowing them to divide us, we are called to seek God’s will together, with humility and openness.

Second, connection. Our relationship with Christ is the source of our strength. Prayer, the Word of God, and the sacraments keep us connected to Him. When we remain in Him, our lives begin to bear fruit—love, patience, kindness, and faith.

The question for us today is: are we trying to live our lives independently of God, or are we rooted in Christ? Are we open to being “pruned” so that we can grow?

May we remain deeply connected to Christ, the true vine. May we seek unity in our relationships and in our community. And may our lives bear abundant fruit, bringing glory to God and blessing to others.