Connected for Bountiful Harvest

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, of the USCCB, today challenge us to assess our connection to the vine of Christ and the nature of the fruit we produce to be a harvest of love.

Looking for Fruit on the Vine

In Canada, the texts chosen by CCCB are for the Memorial of  St. François de Laval

Reading: no. 722(12), p. 804:  2 Timothy 4.1-5

Gospel: no. 724(10), p. 813: John 10. 11-16 (Memorial of St. François De Laval, n.d.)

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the Council of Jerusalem.

* [15:1–35] The Jerusalem “Council” marks the official rejection of the rigid view that Gentile converts were obliged to observe the Mosaic law completely. From here to the end of Acts, Paul and the Gentile mission become the focus of Luke’s writing.

* [15:1–5] When some of the converted Pharisees of Jerusalem discover the results of the first missionary journey of Paul, they urge that the Gentiles be taught to follow the Mosaic law. Recognizing the authority of the Jerusalem church, Paul and Barnabas go there to settle the question of whether Gentiles can embrace a form of Christianity that does not include this obligation. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 122 is sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem.

* [Psalm 122] A song of Zion, sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem three times on a journey. The singer anticipates joining the procession into the city (Ps 122:1–3). Jerusalem is a place of encounter, where the people praise God (Ps 122:4) and hear the divine justice mediated by the king (Ps 122:5). The very buildings bespeak God’s power (cf. Ps 48:13–15). May the grace of this place transform the people’s lives (Ps 122:6–9)! (Psalms, PSALM 122 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus discourse on The Vine and the Branches.

* [15:1–16:4] Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of the departure of Jesus.

* [15:1–17] Like Jn 10:1–5, this passage resembles a parable. Israel is spoken of as a vineyard at Is 5:1–7; Mt 21:33–46 and as a vine at Ps 80:9–17; Jer 2:21; Ez 15:2; 17:5–10; 19:10; Hos 10:1. The identification of the vine as the Son of Man in Ps 80:15 and Wisdom’s description of herself as a vine in Sir 24:17 are further background for portrayal of Jesus by this figure. There may be secondary eucharistic symbolism here; cf. Mk 14:25, “the fruit of the vine.”

* [15:2] Takes away, prunes: in Greek there is a play on two related verbs.

* [15:6] Branches were cut off and dried on the wall of the vineyard for later use as fuel. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Cindy Costanzo comments that vineyards and gardens are both beautiful analogies for faith and belief in God. Just as a vineyard and a garden needs to be cared for so does our faith life.

Vines as well as flowers have delicate root systems that grow in strength with the right nutrients, water, and sun. Similarly, our faith is delicate and requires nurturing to gain depth and strength. The right nutrients may include regular faith sharing with a church community, family, and/or friends. Perhaps daily quiet time with God to read, reflect, and journal. 

Vineyards and gardens mature each year, and their yields are increasingly robust and richer.  Similarly, when we spend time nurturing our faith it grows stronger and is more influential. 

The scripture reading today communicates how God is always present, his love is deep and abiding as is his commitment to nurture and guide us through life. Vineyards and gardens provide time to enjoy nature’s silence, to listen to an inner voice that may be God communicating perhaps sharing a simple message of love stating  “ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you”……

I in turn count the many blessings in my life that are gifts from God…especially the vineyards/gardens within my life. (Costanzo, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Cleansed by Jesus' word,” by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"So the world - life enslaved by carnal passions - can no more receive the grace of the Spirit than a weak eye can look at the light of a sunbeam. First the Lord cleansed his disciples' lives through his teaching, and then he gave them the ability to both see and contemplate the Spirit. He says, 'You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you' (John 15:3). Therefore 'the world cannot receive him, because it neither sees him nor knows him... You know him, for he dwells with you' (John 14:17). Isaiah says, 'He who settled the earth and the things in it; and gives breath to the people on it, and Spirit to them that tread on it' (Isaiah 42:5). From this we can learn that those who trample earthly things and rise above them become worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (excerpt from ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 22.53) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:1-8 comments that Jesus once said that his true family are those who “hear the word of God and act on it” (Luke 8:21). That one sentence captures Mary’s whole life! In spite of the intense suffering she experienced, she remained in her son by keeping her thoughts and the meditations of her heart fixed on the words, the promises, and the clear signs she had received.

Take some time to reflect on the words of today’s Gospel, or on a time you heard the Lord speaking to you. Maybe it was through a Scripture passage, a homily, or the words of a wise friend. Jesus is the vine—your loving, caring, ever-nourishing vine. As you reflect on his words, you will remain in him, and you will bear fruit. Even when suffering comes, as it did for Mary, you will be able to continue remaining in Jesus and bearing the fruit of peace and love in this world.

“Lord, I choose to remain in you today.” (Meditation on John 15:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments the Acts passage Paul and Barnabas are preaching and they receive many converts some of whom are Gentile. The Religious Authorities in Jerusalem are concerned that the converts follow Jewish dietary law and feasts as they were actually converts to Judaism who were following Jesus. In Galatians, Paul is in charge but here, in Acts, Peter and James are in charge. The Gospel of John declares we produce fruit attached to the vine. Wild branches without fruit are cut off. Friar Jude notes this is not a threat but a warning that we may survive our lives, but never really live it, if we are not connected to Christ.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Stephanie Paulsell who considers how praying with the Song of Songs can help us discover “good news”.

The Song offers us a way of reading that is also a way of receiving the world, a way that leads to prayer. By inviting us into the dialogue of the two lovers, we are encouraged to read as they love—lingering in the presence of the beloved, admiring the beloved’s beauty and grace, and adoring both what can be seen and known and spoken of, and what is beyond our sight, beyond our ability to know or describe. In a world marked by speed and overwhelmed by information, the Song offers us a space beneath the pine branches and cedar boughs to read slowly, admiringly, meditatively…. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to choose the nurture of Christ as the food for fullness of life that will produce fruit in the Garden of the Lord.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?1 

Costanzo, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-6-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?1 

Meditation on John 15:1-8. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/06/1559705/ 

Memorial of St. François de Laval. (n.d.). Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://www.cccb.ca/ 

Psalms, PSALM 122 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/122? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Book of Devotion. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-book-of-devotion/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Abide in Me, and I in You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Peace Over Chaos

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today inspire us to work with religious leaders to bring “Shalom” to our environment nearby and in our world living in chaos.

Our Response to Chaos

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the End of the First Mission of Paul and Barnabas.

* [14:23] They appointed presbyters: the communities are given their own religious leaders by the traveling missionaries. The structure in these churches is patterned on the model of the Jerusalem community (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 5, 22; 21:18). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.) (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 145 declares the “works of God” make God present and invite human praise.

* [Psalm 145] A hymn in acrostic form; every verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostic poems usually do not develop ideas but consist rather of loosely connected statements. The singer invites all to praise God (Ps 145:1–3, 21). The “works of God” make God present and invite human praise (Ps 145:4–7); they climax in a confession (Ps 145:8–9). God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship (Ps 145:10–20), a major theme in the literature of early Judaism and in Christianity. (Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus’ departure and return dialogue.

* [14:1–31] Jesus’ departure and return. This section is a dialogue marked off by a literary inclusion in Jn 14:1, 27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

* [14:27] Peace: the traditional Hebrew salutation šālôm; but Jesus’ “Shalom” is a gift of salvation, connoting the bounty of messianic blessing.

* [14:28] The Father is greater than I: because he sent, gave, etc., and Jesus is “a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God” (Jn 8:40).

* [14:30] The ruler of the world: Satan; cf. Jn 12:31; 16:11. (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mike Cherney comments that today is Cinco de Mayo, a day that recalls a spirit of resistance against overwhelming odds.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Recalling His promise of the Spirit, I see this peace not as a serene, tranquil absence of conflict, but the support of the Spirit in the middle of the storm. It is the strength to stand up, like Paul, and declare that the power of evil cannot dominate, because there is the Spirit within.

Cinco de Mayo becomes more than a historical remembrance; it serves as a spiritual metaphor. In my trials, I am not abandoned. I have the Advocate. This Spirit can embolden one with a fire in the heart to stand firm in the face of tribulation and can offer a joy that is courageous, persevering, and profoundly hopeful.

My prayer today centers on finding my place within this reality.

Dear Lord, I live in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. 

Too often, I see decisions driven by self-interest rather than the common good.

 I carry concerns and fears about what lies ahead. 

Yet I trust that Your Spirit is still at work. 

Guide me in my mission, strengthen my resolve,

 and help me recognize the gifts that You provide each day. (Cherney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Following of Christ,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Come, follow Me, says the Lord. Do you love? He has hastened on, He has flown on ahead. Look and see where. O Christian, don't you know where your Lord has gone? I ask you: Don't you wish to follow Him there? Through trials, insults, the cross, and death. Why do you hesitate? Look, the way has been shown you." (excerpt from Sermon 345,6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:21-26 comments that since the world isn’t the source of our peace, the world doesn’t have the power to take it away—even if we feel some agitation from time to time! Peace is not political, so political unrest doesn’t have to overwhelm us. It’s not economic, so we can find Jesus’ peace even in the face of inflation or job loss. His peace is not tied to our ability to control any of our circumstances, so as we trust the Lord, we will find a peace that, as St. Paul says, “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

Let that truth sink in: the peace that will bring true rest to your heart is something you cannot accomplish with your own efforts. It comes from God, and he wants to give it to you! Just look at the first thing Jesus says to his disciples after the resurrection: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).

You can always trust in Jesus, whether or not you feel in control of your life, whether or not you have amassed enough material treasure—no matter what challenges come your way. Because lasting peace comes directly from Jesus.

“Jesus, help me open my heart to the peace that only you can give me!” (Meditation on John 14:21-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments the reading from Acts presents when Paul and Barnabas are thrown out of the city and travel with great success in the Asia Minor. They appoint presbyters, who were elders rather than priests. In the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus is going to give a different peace. The Peace that Jesus gives is doing the Will of the Father. This is the joy and peace of being where we belong. It is not dependent on happiness. The Peace of God brings comfort that dispels anxiety. Friar Jude reminds us that however a situation turns out, God will be there with us.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley who lived in a Cistercian monastery with Thomas Merton, where he was steeped in this union and love mysticism,  reflects on the teachings of the twelfth-century mystic and monastic reformer Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the most prolific commentators on the Song of Songs. He comments on the opening lines of the Song of Songs.

Let Him kiss me with the kiss of His mouth (1:1). Who speaks? The bride. Who is she? The soul thirsting for God…. If one is a servant he is in dread of his lord’s face. If one is a hireling he hopes for pay from his lord’s hand. If one is a disciple he gives ear to his teacher. If one is a son he honors his father. But the soul who begs a kiss, is in love. Among the gifts of nature this affection of love holds first place, especially when it makes haste to return to its Origin, which is God. Words cannot be found so sweet as to express the sweet affections of the Word and the soul for each other, except bride and Bridegroom. [2]

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit as we ponder the tension, particularly relevant today between the greed and imperialism of the time of Cinco de Mayo, that continues to resonate today and the Peace beyond understanding that Jesus invites us to present to the world.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/14?19 

Cherney, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-5-2026 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?27 

Meditation on John 14:21-26. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/04/1557172/ 

Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/145? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). My Peace I Give to You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Where is Our Divine Connection

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine how we understand our connection to God.

God with Us

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul and Barnabas experience at Lystra.

* [14:8–18] In an effort to convince his hearers that the divine power works through his word, Paul cures the cripple. However, the pagan tradition of the occasional appearance of gods among human beings leads the people astray in interpreting the miracle. The incident reveals the cultural difficulties with which the church had to cope. Note the similarity of the miracle worked here by Paul to the one performed by Peter in Acts 3:2–10.

* [14:12] Zeus…Hermes: in Greek religion, Zeus was the chief of the Olympian gods, the “father of gods and men”; Hermes was a son of Zeus and was usually identified as the herald and messenger of the gods.

* [14:14] Tore their garments: a gesture of protest. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 115 asks us “Where is your God?”

* [Psalm 115] A response to the enemy taunt, “Where is your God?” This hymn to the glory of Israel’s God (Ps 115:1–3) ridicules the lifeless idols of the nations (Ps 115:4–8), expresses in a litany the trust of the various classes of the people in God (Ps 115:9–11), invokes God’s blessing on them as they invoke the divine name (Ps 115:12–15), and concludes as it began with praise of God. Ps 135:15–18 similarly mocks the Gentile gods and has a similar litany and hymn (Ps 135:19–21). (Where Is Your God?, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus introduces The Advocate for our Relationship with Love.

* [14:1–31] Jesus’ departure and return. This section is a dialogue marked off by a literary inclusion in Jn 14:1, 27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

* [14:22] Judas, not the Iscariot: probably not the brother of Jesus in Mk 6:3 // Mt 13:55 or the apostle named Jude in Lk 6:16 but Thomas (see note on Jn 11:16), although other readings have “Judas the Cananean.” (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tom Lenz comments that initially, it seemed confusing that Jesus was seemingly making a softer version of an Old Testament deal, “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father.” This seemed to imply that, “If you do not love me then neither will you be loved by my Father.” But this is not the message at all.

If you read a bit more from John 14 the entire message is about connectedness. What Jesus is saying to his disciples is that because we are connected here, then you (and me) are also connected to the Father. But this can only be realized if you “have my commandments and observe them” – which are not the same as the “thou shalt not” commandments in the Old Testament. The “commandments” that Jesus is talking about are more like invitations towards love and forgiveness. And, if we can embrace these, we will be able to more clearly “see” that a Great Chain of Connectedness exists between Jesus, us, and God. He explicitly says this in verse 20 (right before today’s reading begins) in the often quoted, “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” And the glue to all this connection and relationship is the Holy Spirit, as Jesus points out several times in John 14. (Lenz, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “God is pleased to dwell in us,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"God is not too grand to come, he is not too fussy or shy, he is not too proud - on the contrary he is pleased to come if you do not displease him. Listen to the promise he makes. Listen to him indeed promising with pleasure, not threatening in displeasure, "We shall come to him," he says, "I and the Father." To the one he had earlier called his friend, the one who obeys his precepts, the keeper of his commandment, the lover of God, the lover of his neighbor, he says, "We shall come to him and make our abode with him." (excerpt from Sermon 23,6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:21-26 comments that the indwelling of the Lord is not passive. He is an attentive occupant who knows the very structure of your heart—your priorities, attachments, and thoughts. He cares deeply about you. He delights in the parts that are working well, and he calls for improvements to the parts that don’t: the moments when your mouth has run like a leaky tap or your self-control has crumbled like old plaster.

At times these internal repairs may feel like too much. But don’t be overwhelmed; you are not working alone! Jesus is eager to work with you. He’s just waiting for you to invite him to help. So identify one “internal DIY project” you’d like to work on today, and ask him to roll up his sleeves and join you.

“Lord, I welcome you into my heart. Shape it and make it your home.” (Meditation on John 14:21-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments in Acts, Paul and Barnabas continue to preach and when successful, the leaders, both Jew and Gentile, hatch plots against them. The healing they present has people conclude “god” has come down to them. How can Paul and Barnabas try to solve this confusion? In the Gospel of John Chapter 14, loving Jesus and keeping His word of the Father is possible as He promises an Advocate, in Greek, a Paraclete. This is an ambiguous word with many meanings fulfilled by the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son and their love for us.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces the Old Testament scholar Ellen Davis who shares the history of the Song of Songs’ inclusion in the Bible. The scriptural status of the Song of Songs is so questionable that the Talmud actually records the great debate…. It was the declamation of Rabbi Akiba, the great teacher, scholar, and martyr of early Judaism, that finally carried the day:

Heaven forbid! No Jew ever questioned the sanctity of the Song of Songs; for all the world is not worth the day when the Song of Songs was given to Israel. For all the writings are holy, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies! [1] … (Rohr, n.d.)

Davis describes how the Song of Songs overcomes the separation that began in Genesis between God, humanity, and the earth:

The poet of the Song has a dream, and in that dream all the ruptures that occurred in Eden are repaired…. Following carefully and imaginatively where the words of the Song lead, we can share the poet’s and God’s dream of the original harmony of creation restored…. A woman and a man, equally powerful, are lost in admiration of each other—or more accurately, in admiration they truly find themselves and each other. And the natural world rejoices with them. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit to teach us about Love and the transforming power of our focus on how we can bring love, hope, compassion, and joy to our daily journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/14? 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14? 

Lenz, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-4-2026 

Meditation on John 14:21-26. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/04/1557172/ 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Holy of Holies. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-holy-of-holies/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If You Love Me, Keep My Word. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Where is your God? (n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 115 | USCCB. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/115?1