EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Vine and the Branches
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the
vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not
bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it
bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that
I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear
much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a
fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and
my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done
for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my
disciples."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
St. Peter Chanel (Feast Day April 28)
1803-1841
St. Peter Chanel was born in the diocese of Belley, France. After his ordination to the priesthood, he found himself in a rundown country parish and completely revitalized it in 3 years. However, his heart was set on missionary work, so in 1831, he joined the newly formed Society of Mary (Marists) which concentrated on missionary work at home and abroad. In 1836, St. Peter was appointed Superior of a little band of missionaries sent to proclaim the Faith to inhabitants in Western Oceania. After an arduous ten-month journey, St. Peter went to the Island of Futuna (northeast of Fiji) accompanied by a lay brother and an English layman. At first, they were well received by the pagans and their king. However, the king’s jealousy and fear were aroused when the missionaries learned the language and gained the people's confidence; he realized the adoption of the Christian Faith would lead to the abolition of some of the prerogatives he enjoyed as both high priest and sovereign. When the king’s son asked to be baptized, persecution by the king reached a climax. Fr. Chanel was clubbed to death. Within two years after his death, the whole island became Catholic and has remained so. He was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1954. Peter Chanel is the first martyr of Oceania and its patron.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
· What happens to a branch when it is cut off a vine? What is Jesus trying to teach us through this analogy?
· In what way does the story of the vine and the branches describe your relationship with Jesus?
· Jesus says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.” What would you ask of Jesus today?
· The saints lived exciting lives of heroic service and evangelization. What do you think God is calling you to do to serve his Church?
FAMILY FUN
Family Nature Walk
Encounter God in nature by going for a walk today and looking for different types of vines and branches. Notice the similarities and the differences. How many types can you find? Discuss how they connect to the Gospel today. Consider collecting items to make a nature collage once you get home.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Crunchy Chicken Salad
Grapes grow on vines. Think about today’s Gospel as you enjoy this crunchy salad made with grapes!
4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast meat
1 cup diced celery
1 cup seedless green grapes (cut in half)
1 cup cashews
lettuce
salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
¾ cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)
¼ cup sour cream
Combine chicken, celery and grapes. Toss with the dressing. Serve on a bed of lettuce with the cashews sprinkled on top.
FAMILY PRAYER
ACTS Prayer
This prayer will help you to stay close to Jesus. It has a simple formula using the acronym, ACTS. Spend time reflecting and sharing on the following prayer prompts.
A—Adoration—I praise You, God, for…
C—Confession—I am sorry for…
T—Thanksgiving—I am thankful for…
S—Supplication—I ask You for…
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Invite someone who has stopped going to church to come to Mass with you next week.
FUN FACTS
The lifespan of vines can vary, but some types can survive for over a hundred years.
