If you are familiar at all with vineyards, you know that branches in a vineyard need pruning. Those that do not produce fruit need to be cut away and even those who have produced need to be pruned so that they become stronger and produce more fruit.
In our lives we need to be pruned from those habits that keep us from being connected to Jesus, the vine. In John’s gospel we read of Jesus as the vine and God as the vine grower. We are encouraged to develop our relationship with Jesus as we abide in him. He is the source of our strength and helps us to produce the fruit of acceptance of one another. Our fruits should include love and tolerance of one another. Our fruit should encourage love in such a way that others come to know the great love that God has for us. When we grow in a deeper relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ, our fruitfulness will grow. Only in our relationship with Jesus can we be fruitful. We are to love Jesus with our whole being. In so doing we will help others come to know him and be connected to him as the vine.
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AuthorHelen Ackermann is a retired Parish Minister and current Parishioner. She shares a weekly column relating the week's readings to what is currently happening in our lives. |