In last week’s Gospel Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd, the one who gives his life for his sheep. This week Jesus says of himself “I am the true vine”. Why the true vine? Jesus speaks these words to the disciples at the Last Supper in the Upper Room in Jerusalem and one possible explanation is that he is contrasting himself with a famous decoration on the Jerusalem Temple – an imitation vine painted and decorated in gold which slowly spread around the exterior of the Temple thanks to the donations of rich businessmen and pilgrims. Jesus knows that this vine will be destroyed like the rest of the Temple within a couple of generations whereas he, the living vine, will continue to grow and flourish through the Church across the world.

The vine is a plant which grows rapidly and needs to be pruned hard if it is to bear good fruit. Jesus knows as he speaks these words to the disciples that they will need to be purified and what is not of God within them “cut back” in the coming days of his Passion and Death. Then, as long as their lives are truly rooted in him, they will bear rich fruit in his name. The fulfilment of these words is what we celebrate in this joyful season of Eastertide – the Risen Christ is alive in us today!

It is important to recognise that we are the latest generation of the vine, called to continue the disciples’ mission as witnesses to the Resurrection. When we hear such words we can think – God must be joking choosing me to represent him! However, look closely at the trees and shrubs in bloom at the moment – the blossom does not grow on the solid trunk or thick branches but out at the very tip on the tender, fragile twigs. The fruit trees show us that the weak little twigs and tendrils are what bear the blossom in Spring and the fruit in Autumn. And that means you and me! So let us root our lives in Christ, the true vine, so that in his name we can bear rich fruit and bring his life to the world.



With prayers - Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem, Deacon Robert and all the parish team.

We continue to pray for ‘light not heat’ in Israel and Gaza, Ukraine and Russia and other places of war and conflict around the world at this time.

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Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Day * When: Saturday 11th May 2024

A special day of prayer, formation and devotion led by the World Apostolate of Fatima, with the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue and relics of Sts Jacinta and Francisco. A day to help us to deepen our understanding and living of the message and mission of Fatima. Come for as much as you can!

For more info please visit - https://shorturl.at/hoIN1