John 15:1-8 NRSVue
1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
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Reflection on John 15:1-8
Inspiration from 2026-05-06 Daily Prayer
You told us, Lord, that cut off from you we could do nothing. Just like the grapes at the extremities of the vine, if the nourishment does not flow through the bush, the fruit is unlikely to grow or to flourish. So with us. If we hope to generate any fruit, your grace needs to be continually given to us, which we are assured it will be, but we need to be open and active to ensure its arrival.
Further reflection
How do I abide in the Lord? Above all by prayer, raising my heart and mind to God each morning. There is a worldwide community which uses Sacred Space as a way of abiding in Jesus and drawing strength from him.
Sometimes we resist pruning. We do not understand that pruning is vital if we are to bring forth new life. We must trust God’s pruning process. God’s thoughts, words and values must displace our earthbound ones. Only so will we become like the Lord.
On this the feast day the example of St Joseph the Worker can enrich us. He said ‘Yes’ to God’s call in difficult circumstances. He opened himself to God’s pruning and abandoned his own preferences. I ask him to help me do likewise.