Jn 15:1-3
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes, so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.From “The life of the Virgin Elizabeth Eppinger”
Upon the request of her Confessor, David Reichard related by herself and written by the latter:Having returned to my place I prayed: “Dear Jesus, now I have made the baptismal vows, help me now to keep them and to obey everything we have heard from the priest. Fill him totally with your grace. I will follow exactly what he tells me”
(Life… 1/48 – 13 years).
“Every now and then we received the Holy Communion. From time to time we visited Jesus in the most holy sacrament, where we found joy in the common devotional exercises introduced in the parish. No contempt or mocking could keep us from them”
(Life… III/2 – 20 years.)
Prayer
God, our Father, in order to shepherd your People, Christ, the Lord set up in his Church a variety of offices which aim at the good of the whole body. The holders of office, who are invested with a sacred power, serve their brothers, so that all who belong to the People of God may attain salvation (LG 18).Increase in us the love for your Church, as your servant, Mother Alphonse Marie, gave us an example. Give to the shepherds, the priests, to the religious and believers the experience of a deep union with Christ, fill them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and let them grow and bring fruit in patience.
Meditation
The Church is the mystical body of Christ, the true vine – not just any vine. The love of God is the innermost vitality.It runs through roots and stem and through the stem to each of its branches - thus keeping the entire vine alive.
However the branches are very different: some grow higher, some are wider His branches are “already clean by means of his word” as it is said.
His words, his life-giving words, have the strength to keep with the true vine all who really listen to them and act accordingly.
Daily prayer
Heavenly Father,You gifted Mother Alphonse Marie
with the grace of being powerfully attracted
to the mystery of the Cross,
even in her most tender years.
In this mystery she perceived your merciful love
for all your children.
You inspired her to found a Congregation to manifest
that love through serving those
who suffer in body or in spirit.
Through the Eucharist you gave her the strength
to participate in the work of the Redemption.
May we be transformed by the love of Christ the Redeemer,
even as she was;
and may our lives be a witness
of your great love to all those we encounter.
Hear the prayers that we present through her intercession...
and if it be your will,grant that we may soon venerate
Blessed Alphonse Marie as a Saint throughout the Church.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.