Reflect

Visio Divina Prayer and Reflection:
Among the many ways to pray, Visio Divina (Latin for "divine seeing") is a special way to pray with Scripture art. Visio Divina is the practice of looking at a painting or a photograph and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Art. We will continue our Visio Divina prayer this week with the scripture passage John 10:11

How to find a Bible Passage
  • “John” is the fourth gospel  in the New Testament. Use the table of contents to find where the Gospel of  John begins.
  • The number ‘15’ stands for the chapter. Look for the bold number ‘15’ in the Gospel of John.
  • The number ‘1' directs you to read verse one.

Steps for Visio Divina prayer:
  • Read aloud the scripture passage: John 15:1
  • Look at the image. What is the first thing you notice in the picture?
  • Now, look at the whole image. What comes to mind? 
  • What does the Bible passage and image mean to you?
  • What are some things this picture tells you about Jesus being the true vine? 
  • Share your thoughts with your family.​
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Picture source: National Catholic Register - Christ is the True Vine, His Father is the Vine Grower, and We Are the Branches.

For Parents

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Focus

 Jesus used the same phrase "I AM" in seven declarations 
about Himself. This week we will ponder Jesus words,
           "I am the true vine"     
  • Jesus is like the vine that gives the branches food, water and everything it needs to grow fruit. We are like the branches that grow out of the vine. When we're connected to Jesus, we'll produce fruit, too.     
  • How do you stay connected to the vine, Jesus Christ? 

Fun Facts: Jesus said this to His followers in the Upper Room on the night of His arrest and impending death. The Old Testament contains many references to Israel as God’s vine (Psalm 80:8, Isaiah 5:1-7, Ezekiel 15, Hosea 10:1). But because of the nation’s unfruitfulness, Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan. By abiding in or dwelling with or attaching ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honor the Father. In this metaphor, He is the gardener. In Him, and in His nurturing, tending, and pruning, you and I can grow to our potential and bear much fruit. Jesus was saying “Stick close to Me and you will be able to accomplish much for My Father’s glory.”
Listen to the song about Jesus the true vine.

Watch

Watch these videos with your child. They are short!
God's Story: The Last Supper
The Concluding Rite
Learn about Saint Anthony. His Feast Day is June 13th. He is the patron of lost things. 
St. Anthony models the virtue of sincerity.  After watching the video, share one thing that inspires you about St. Anthony. 

Memory Work

Practice this response in the Communion Rite and keep this prayer in your heart.
Return to First Communion page.