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Acts 9:26-31, Psalm 21, 1John 3:18-24, John 15:1-8

The first reading today is an account of Saul's arrival in Jerusalem after his famous conversion and some time in Damascus. The disciples were understandably afraid of Saul (later to become Paul), as he had once been a persecutor of the first Christians. Barnabas vouched for him and Saul began preaching the Christian message. It seems that he had some disagreements with the Greek-speaking Jewish Christians and was sent to Tarsus to escape their death threats. Afterwards the Christian community lived peacefully and, filled with the Spirit, built up the Church.

The second reading and the gospel are both written under the name of John. The link between them is the Christian's life in God's love. Through the image of the vine and the branches John shows the closeness between Christians and God through Jesus Christ. By remaining close in love Christians bear fruit. So the love they have for one another is not just in words but is alive and active.

Imagine you are a branch on God's vine, living close to the main branch, Jesus. Picture the intertwining branches, a symbol of your closeness to Jesus. Stay with the image as you pray..

Is the love between you and God through Jesus alive and active? Does it bear fruit like the vine?

Notice the role of the Spirit in the readings today. As well as giving spiritual consolation, the Spirit is a fount of God's presence. Give yourself time today to experience the action of the Spirit in your life.