Introduction

This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding that we read of in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world.

Readings and Psalm

• Acts 8:26-40
  Philip teaches and baptizes an Ethiopian
• Psalm 22:25-31
  All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord. (Ps. 22:27)
• 1 John 4:7-21
  God’s love perfected in love for one another
• John 15:1-8
  Christ the vine