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The Exalted One

Being found in our human state, he humbled himself:
and became obedient unto death,
even death on a cross.
Amen.

Gospel Reading - Jesus the True Vine

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1“I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. 2He lops off every branch that doesn’t produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. 3He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you. 4Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.

5“Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing. 6If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned. 7But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! 8My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father.

9“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. 10When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. 11I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow! 12I demand that you love each other as much as I love you. 13And here is how to measure it — the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends; 14and you are my friends if you obey me. 15I no longer call you slaves, for a master doesn’t confide in his slaves; now you are my friends, proved by the fact that I have told you everything the Father told me.

16“You didn’t choose me! I chose you! I appointed you to go and produce lovely fruit always, so that no matter what you ask for from the Father, using my name, he will give it to you. 17I demand that you love each other.

. . . . .John 15:1-17

The 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.