“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jn15:5
General Reflection:
Each one of us is a branch of one True Vine that is Jesus. He constantly invites us to cling to Him as the branches cling to the vine. Likewise, He said that “my Father is the vine dresser. He cuts every branch in me that do not bear fruit, and everyone that does He prunes so that it will bear more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.”
Jesus speaks of Himself as the ‘True Vine’. The image of the true vine was a rich one for the branches to grow, be nourished and bear plenty of fruit. As the True Vine, Jesus nourishes us by His Word, the Word of everlasting life. He also nourishes us in our prayers, when we attend the Holy Mass and actively participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Further, He nourishes us when we actively participate in the activities within in our community and the parish we belong.
Like a real vine, the branches need to be regularly pruned so that new shoots will grow, and they are the one that will bear plenty and healthy fruit. Same with us, we need to constantly be pruned of our human frailties to grow in our faith and bear the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Personal Reflection:
How do I cling to the vine, is it always, sometimes or only when I am in extreme needs? Do I allow myself to be nourished by God, by reading and meditating on His Word every day, praying every day, attending Mass regularly and going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Do I allow God to prune me of my human frailties or do I cling to my human desires and worldly ambitions?
As a leader, do I always remind and encourage my members to read and meditate on the Word of God every day, pray every day, attend Mass regularly and go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
As a parent, do I always remind and encourage my children to do the above?
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