Directions

1. Have students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students, and then answer the focus questions. You may have students answer them on their own, or you may discuss them together as a class.
2. Review and discuss the correct answers when finished.
3. Have students complete the Remain in Jesus activity by reading the excerpt about prayer from Fr. Jacques Philippe and the answer the reflection questions.
4. When finished, call on students to share and discuss their answers.

Answer Key

Focus Questions

1. He is the true vine and His Father is the vine grower. The Father takes away every branch that does no bear fruit and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
2. We cannot bear fruit on our own unless we remain in Him, just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine.
3. That we will bear much fruit, and that whatever we ask of Him will done for us.
4. They will be thrown out like a branch and wither, and be thrown into a fire and burned.
5. The Father.

Reflection Questions

1. The central message of the excerpts is that prayer is supremely important in our lives and that we ought to make time for prayer in the midst of our busy schedules.
2. Jesus says that He is the vine and we are the branches and that only those who remain in Him can bear fruit. Prayer is the way that we stay close to Christ. In the passage, Jesus also asks us to ask for what we need from God, which is a form of prayer.
3. He says it is comparable to saying that we "don't have time to eat."
4. He says that a quiet mind is a necessary condition for prayer. Prayer is a conversation with God. If our mind is too noisy, we won't be able to hear what He wants to say to us.
5. Accept reasoned answers.
6. Accept reasoned answers.