Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.

John 15: 4-5

Here are the complete readings for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

(“The Synaxis of the Apostles” Wikipedia Commons)

The image of the vine and branches goes so far to convey the intimacy of connection and the vulnerability required to establish and maintain that connection. This is a reminder to us that spirituality is both an individual endeavor from our own hearts, but is lived in a profoundly communal and hospitable fashion. Just as we believe that the mysterious nature of God as Trinity exists as relationship, so we come to understand our own unique self as it is reflected in our encounters with our brothers and sisters. Consider the words of the Fundamental Principles below that affirm the words of Jesus. Focus in particular on the challenge of sharing, and how this mutual sharing in community can open us to insights and truths that were not previously visible to us.

A band of Brothers
who mutually help,
encourage,
and edify one another,
and who work together.
You are called then by your Founder
to enter into a true mutual sharing
with your brothers and sisters.
This sharing will demand of you
an opening and a giving of yourself to them
at many levels,
and a ready acceptance of each of them
in all their sinful and graced humanity.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, give us the courage to give of ourselves to others and to you. Help us realize that we are more capable of sharing our gifts and our burdens than we thought possible. Liberate us from our fears of being our authentic selves in the presence of our neighbors. In making ourselves available to our community and our world, even in the most common and ordinary moments, we make more room for the joy that comes from knowing You. Amen.