Gospel Reflection
Jesus,
you are the vine;
your Father is the gardener,
who breaks off every branch that bears no fruit
and prunes each one that does.
We cannot bear fruit, unless we remain in you.
Jesus is the vine:
Jesus makes us one.
Jesus is our life.
Gospel Reading - Taking up the cross

24Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it; and anyone who loses his life for me shall find it again. 26What profit is there if you gain the whole world — and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life? 27For I, the Son of Mankind, shall come with my angels in the glory of my Father and judge each person according to his deeds. 28And some of you standing right here now will certainly live to see me coming in my Kingdom.”
. . . . .Matthew 16:24-28The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.