May 3, 2021

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Fifth Sunday of Easter

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
  • First reading
    • Acts 8:26-40
  • Psalm
    • Psalm 22:25-31
  • Second reading
    • 1 John 4:7-21
  • Gospel
    • John 15:1-8

Jesus said “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.

Abide 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. I 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. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Sarcophagus of Drausin “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” provided symbolism for the early church as appears on this 3rd-4th century sarcophagus now in the Louvre in Paris. The monogram of Christ stands at the center, with the alpha to the left and the omega to the right. Surrounding it are the vines and branches, furthering the message of life in Christ. Fittingly, the stone burial container is decorated with a strong theological statement of life beginning with faith in Christ and ending with eternal life through him.
Date: 3rd-4th centuries
Building: Louvre City/Town: Paris Country: France

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