Easter 6 | John 15:1-11 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Tend by Emmy Rose, Jessie Early, and Michaela Gentile

Lyrics:
In the landscape of my life
You don't rush through any season
You always take Your time
A careful hand a gentle guide
You take what's dead away
And You prune what's running wild

(So) be the gardener of my heart
Tend the soil of my soul
Break up the fallow ground
Cut back the overgrown
I won't shy away
I will let the branches fall
So what You want can stay
And what You love can grow

Through the winter I'm still alive
What You've planted in the dirt
Is ever reaching to the light
You prepare me for darkened times
You'll sustain what You have started
And You'll teach me to abide

I'll remain in You You'll remain in me
And I will trust Your timing
I'll remain in You You'll remain in me
From the start until the ending
'Cause You will know better

Passage:
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

11 “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

-- John 15:1-11 (CSB)

Musical Reflection:
Jesus, Remember Me by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes:
“Jesus, Remember Me” is a tune from the French Taizé tradition; these simple songs are meant to be repeated indefinitely with added instrumentation or voice parts. They are meant to be meditative and allow for prayer.

Prayer:
O God, who by the life and death and rising again of your dear Son has consecrated for us a new and living way into the holiest of all: cleanse our minds, we ask you, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that drawing near to you with a pure heart and conscience undefiled, we may receive these gifts without sin and worthily magnify your holy name. Liturgy of St. James