I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who abide in Me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from Me you can do nothing.
- Mk 4:24
Reflection: In a single word, be Saints! Holiness is the most powerful force that leads human hearts to Christ. Remember that verse of the Gospel about the vine and the branches. In the union of the branches with the one vine is the concrete source and the sure measure of one's apostolic activity.
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer:You are the vine, O Lord, and we are the branches. Keep me united to You and nourish me with Your love so that I may bear abundant fruit.
From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
With what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you, and more shall be given to you.
- Mk 4:24
Reflection: Love cannot stop at half measures, as you well know. Love must be ready to offer itself as far as the very ultimate in generosity.
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer: You taught, Lord Jesus, that the measure with which we measure will be measured back to us. Let the measure of my love be generous. May I never hold back when the cost is great.
From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
Blessed are you when people reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you for My sake.
- Mt 5:11
Reflection: Suffering for the sake of love, truth, and justice is a sign of fidelity to the God of life and of hope. It is the blessedness of those who suffer for Christ, who fall to the ground like grains of wheat and are promised life and resurrection.
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You proclaimed blessed those who suffer for the sake of justice. Let me never stand by the wayside when my brothers and sisters are suffering unjustly.
From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
Even so let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
- Mt 5:16
Reflection: Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer: Make my heart transparent, O God, so the light of Your love shines through me. May that light shatter the darkness of a world filled with fear and selfishness.From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
Better off poor, healthy, and fit than wealthy and afflicted in body. More precious than gold is health and well-being.
- Sir 30: 14-15
Reflection: Grace builds upon nature. The Gospel does not make inhuman demands on us. It enlightens, elevates, and perfects what is human through the power of God's grace.
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer: In Your Incarnation, Lord Jesus, You taught us that our humanity is not to be despised, but rather to be esteemed as a gift of Your love. Make me aware that what I eat, how I exercise, and other ways I care for my body are forms of appreciation for that gift.From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
When the eight days of her purification were fulfilled, they took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.
- Lk 2:22
Reflection: The origin, nature, destiny, and history of humanity are bound up in that Infant by the very fact of His birth among us. Without the knowledge of that history our human nature would remain an inpenetrable enigma.
- Pope Pius XII
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Simeon and Anna greeted You when You were brought into the Temple as an infant by Mary Your Mother and Joseph Your foster father. May I be anxious to recognize Your Presence in our midst.From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
Do not be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy.
- Lk 2:10
Reflection: As people, we are meant to have human joys: the joy of living, the joy of love and friendship, the joy of work well done. As Christians, we have cause for further joy: like Jesus, we know that we are love by God our Father.
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer: O Lord, the Angels announced the birth of Your Son, which brought great joy to the world. May I experience that joy in my heart and share that joy with those who have lost hope.From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
