The Missionary Decade. Day Four — “Branches that bear fruit”

May 13, 2024

We encourage everyone to respond to His Beatitude Sviatoslav’s invitation to properly prepare for the feast of Pentecost. In the following days, we will read the texts of the Gospel from John and, together with the whole parish community, we will listen to the wise tips that the Lord offers us in times of war.

The Missionary Decade. Day Four — “Branches that bear fruit”

Monday, May 13

A reading of the Holy Gospel according to John 14:27–15:7

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”

Reflections on the fourth day of the Decade. In the Church of Christ, one of the most important branches is the eparchy. It has its own territory and its own bishop, who is responsible before God for the flock entrusted to him. He makes sure that his faithful have good spiritual care in the person of the priest-pastor. The parish priest is not only a leader, but also, above all, a teacher, a priest and a spiritual father. He is called to be an example of love for his neighbor, to lead the activities of his community and to organize the whole life of the parish. Not only the priest-pastor, but also all its faithful participate in the mission of the parish. All together, clergy and laity, should discuss the needs of the parish and opportunities to work on God’s works in their place of residence. It is necessary to remember that every parish needs, in addition to God’s grace, human and material resources. In particular, we should pay attention to three types of gifts that are needed in the Church so that it can fulfill its mission — gifts of time, talents and treasure (material goods). Pastoral and economic councils play a special role in the parish. The most important thing is that no one feels useless, because there is so much work in the Lord’s vineyard! In the First Epistle of the Apostle Peter, we read: “Serve one another, each with the gift he has received, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet. 4, 10).

Reflections in time of war. A severe consequence of war is the feeling of helplessness, loneliness, bitterness, anger and hopelessness. War seems to cut off the branches of relationships between relatives, with one’s own land and even with God himself. This war brought with it maiming and orphanhood, destruction of homes and places of work or rest, entire cities and villages of Ukraine, forests and meadows, diversity of nature, animals, birds and fish disappear from the face of the earth. Every family in Ukraine has suffered irreparable losses, and millions of Ukrainians are forced to move to other countries, seeking refuge and peace there. However, faith in God opens us up to a deeper understanding of the connections between the visible and invisible world and with each other. The Lord reminds us that He is the “true vine”, and the Father of Christ is the “vineyard”. Jesus tells us: “every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he (the Father) cuts off. Every one that bears fruit, he purifies so that it bears more fruit” (John 15, 1–2). Therefore, more than ever, we are faced with the task of cultivating a relationship with God and our neighbors. The Father himself cares for us, gives us healing and the power of endurance in times of great trials. Our task is to make every effort to nurture this connection in personal and liturgical prayer, to nurture love and mutual understanding in our families and communities, to bring the fruits of the Holy Spirit in works of charity and missionary preaching of the Kingdom of God to all who are most need God’s mercy and restoration of ties with God and His Church.

Prayer intention. Let us cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, without whom we can do nothing. For this, let us find time every day to be with Him in silence at prayer.

Prayer. Remember, O Lord, those who have brought these gifts, and those for whom, through whom, and on behalf of whom they have been brought. Remember, O Lord, those who bear fruit and do good work in Your holy churches, and who remember the poor. Reward them with Your riches and heavenly gifts of grace; for earthly things grant them heavenly ones; for temporal ones, eternal, for corruptible, incorruptible” (Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great).

Mission task: Open your Holy Scriptures today and read a small passage (if you don’t do it every day). Ask yourself what God wants to say to you through these words?

See also