God Prunes Faithful Branches for More Fruit – May 06 – Homily – Fr Michael

Fr. Michael reflects on the reading from Acts, about the apostles' debate on Gentile converts, concluding under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that circumcision, a mere symbol, is fulfilled by baptism, which imparts divine grace and the indwelling Trinity. He points to the Jews' failure to fulfill the Old Law, despite prophets and blessings, as they repeatedly turned to idolatry, becoming like adulterers and the cursed fig tree that bore no fruit—proving the Law a condemnation rather than a means to life. This history underscores salvation coming through the Jews, but unfulfilled until Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine," with the Father pruning unfruitful or less fruitful branches. Catholics, grafted via baptism, must remain in grace through the sacraments, especially Confession and Communion, fervent prayer, asking for the graces needed for our daily vocations, and accepting pruning through sufferings and sacrifices. Neglect leads to sour "crab apple" fruit, like untended trees reverting to wild stock. Avoid Old Testament obstinacy; seek pruning to glorify God, bear abundant charity, forgive enemies, and evangelize, ensuring that whatever we ask aligns with salvation.

Matthew 21 – Barren fig tree cursed – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/21
CCC 1962 – Old Law disposition – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1962.htm
CCC 1965 – New Law Gospel – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1965.htm
CCC 1970 – Interior heart transformation – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1970.htm
Galatians 5 – Faith saves, circumcision irrelevant – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/5
New Advent – Circumcision Catholic view – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03744a.htm

00:00 - The Early Church and the Law
01:47 - Circumcision and Baptism
03:46 - The Weakness of Man and Idolatry
05:35 - The Failure of the Old Covenant
09:22 - The Parable of the Fig Tree
10:08 - Jesus the True Vine
12:25 - The Necessity of Pruning
16:04 - The Parable of the Neglected Tree