Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
OR Optional Memorial of Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
John 15:1-8
Bearing the fruits of hope in a fragile world

Jesus tells us, “Remain in me, as I remain in you” (Jn 15:4). Using the image of the vine and branches, He teaches that our life and fruitfulness depend entirely on staying united with Him. Without Him, we dry up; with Him, we flourish. The Father’s patient love, like a wise vintner’s care, nourishes us so that we may bear fruits of joy, justice, and hope.

In a world struggling with isolation, environmental decay, and fragile human relationships, Christ invites us on a pilgrimage of hope. Our lives are immersed in the springs of God’s love. This divine sap, first given to us at Baptism, must be safeguarded with tender care.

Pope Francis had proposed the following guidelines in our journey as Pilgrims of Hope: He gives four points:
• Remain in prayer, continuously drawing strength from Christ, the True Vine.
• Remain in the Word, allowing the Word of God to influence every decision.
• Remain in love, supporting the marginalised and nurturing our shared environment.
• Remain in community, building bridges where division and loneliness threaten.

To abide in Christ means not to remain stagnant, the Pope explained — it’s a process of growth, progression, and testimony. His presence within us yields a fruit that revitalises the world: not bitter grapes, but the delightful wine of joy, the wine of hope.

The beauty of the Lord’s creation must be protected, and so must the gift of faith. Let us be branches full of life, bringing Gospel fruits wherever we are planted! Remain in Christ — and your life will overflow with the wine of hope the world thirsts for!

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025