Saturday, August 21, 2021 -Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo - My commandment is this: Love one another as I have loved you - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15, 1-8

Jesus uses the image of the vine to describe how the disciples should behave in following him and how steadfast they should be in the faith. By extrapolation, this is what he wants Christians to do as well: stay in communion with him and love one another.

It dates from the time of prophets, such as Hosea and Jeremiah, to compare the people of Israel to the vineyard. Jesus takes up this figure where he assimilates his Father to the winegrower who takes care of the vines and sends his only son to separate the vines which bear fruit from those which do not.

Jesus warns his disciples: "Abide in me, as I in you". In other words, it is about persevering in the faith. It is only by remaining faithful to him that one can bear fruit. He is the only guarantor. By separating from him, one cannot accomplish anything and one is already doomed.

The true Christian is therefore one who remains faithful to Christ, always observing his words and seeking only to accomplish the will of God. The life of the Christian is the expression of the glory of God if there is love for Christ and for others.

On this day, the Church celebrates Blessed Victory Rasomanarivo. She acquired holiness in the sacrament of marriage. A living seed, she remained in union with the true vine despite the difficulties of her marriage, the sacredness of which she always respected.

Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo , pray for us.