This Sunday’s reading from the Gospel of John is taken from middle of the Last Supper discourse. Jesus speaks about his relationship to his disciples. In his metaphor of the vine and the branches, Jesus is referencing the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Hebrew Scriptures, Israel is the vineyard, and Yahweh himself tends the vineyard. One of the primary themes of John’s Gospel is to show Jesus to be the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

In this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples that his relationship with them will not end after his death; he will remain with them always. This unity between Jesus and his disciples is the basis for their ability to continue to do the work that he began.

Jesus also teaches his disciples about the importance of the words he has taught to them. Just as Jesus will remain in the disciples, so too will his words. We come to know Jesus through the Scriptures, the living Word of God. Our commitment to be Christ’s disciples is sustained through God’s Word. This commitment is also strengthened by our life of prayer and nourished by the Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, Jesus dwells in us, remains with us, and transforms us so that we might bear fruit in his name.

This week as a family talk about the ways in which we are invited to relate to Jesus as his disciples today—prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist etc. When we do these things, Jesus promises to remain with us and to lead us to serve others well. Pray together that we will continue to be attentive and open to Jesus as he works in our lives today. 

(Adapted from Sunday Connection, Loyola Press)

Confirmation
Please pray for our Year 6 students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the end of this term. For those families who have not completed the registration process on QkR!, please do so as soon as you can so a home formation pack can be sent for you to be completed with your child.

Have a great week!

Sharee Thomas

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)