Daily Gospel Reflection for May 6, 2026

Explore the importance of remaining in God through the metaphor of the vine and branches, reflecting on growth, pruning, and bearing fruit in our lives.

Today's Gospel: John 15:1-8

As I reflected on the words of this Gospel, a couple of questions popped into my head. What would it look like if I pictured myself as a grape vine? What "branches" that haven't grown fruit over the course of my life lay on the ground around me? Certainly, I would see all the sins and disordered desires that I have used to try to fill the hurts and lacks in my life instead of turning to God. How many times has that pesky branch of self-sufficiency grown again (and again and again) after God's careful pruning?

Thankfully, God is a much more thorough and patient gardener than I am!  

Then there are all the branches that grew crooked and wild because I embraced a small inspiration from God and took off "growing" ahead of His grace in the direction I thought was the next best step instead of being patient and following His lead. I forgot to remain in Him and I did not bear fruit on my own. All those well-meaning but nonproductive branches would also be lying on the ground around me.

Remaining in God is the key. Last spring, I was walking in my neighborhood when I noticed a tree with a small branch that was almost completely broken off, yet still managed to have leaves and beautiful flowers. It was "remaining" as best as it could, and even in its brokenness managed to bear its fruit. That little branch gave me hope. If we just hang on to God and remain with Him even when life has broken us, good things can still come from us. 

Ponder:

Where in your life are you struggling to remain with God?

Pray:

God, please give us the grace to always remain close to You. Please help us to surrender to all the ways that You continue to prune us so that we can glorify You with the fruits of our life.

Pray Together:

Watch a simple video of the importance of pruning fruit-bearing trees to add a level of connection or understanding to this Gospel passage.

Copyright 2026 Michelle Hamel