We hear in the first reading how Saul, later Paul, is beginning his ministry and “spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord.” The Psalmist overflows with praise for the Lord:” All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord”.In his first epistle, St. John repeats the priceless teaching, “love one another as he commanded us.” Finally, in today’s Gospel, Christ declares that He is the vine, and we are the branches, and admonishes us to cling close to Him as the giver of our life. He promises great rewards: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.”