A time of Lexio Divina for the discerning heart.

Wednesday of the fifth week in Eastertide.

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

For the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of the stay to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart, Jesus, I trust in you. You take over.

Become aware that he is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within your heart.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John, chapter 15, verses 1 through 8.

Jesus said to his disciples, I am the true vine, and my father is the vine dresser.

Every branch in me that bears no fruit, he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes to make it bear even more.

You are pruned already by means of the word that I have spoken to you. Make your home in me as I make mine in you.

As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine,

neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

Whoever remains in me, with me and him, bears fruit in plenty.

For, cut off from me, you can do nothing.

Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away.

He withers.

These branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will, and you shall get it.

It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you.

...