This week’s Gospel uses the image of a vine to describe how we should relate to God. It explores themes such as connectedness, abiding in God, purification, withering and fruitfulness.
Jesus says that he is the true vine, that the Father is the vine master and that we are the branches of the vine.
Picture a vineyard for a moment. See the long parallel lines of bright green, the many branches weaving their way around guiding fences, the swelling fruit. Hear the wind blowing through them, smell the fresh air and the soil. Imagine the vine master walking along these rows, eyeing each branch, calculating which are bearing fruit and which are not. Hear him whistling as he walks, hear the crunch of his boots against the soil.
What do you notice about the vines, the branches and the vinemaster?
I noticed three important things. Firstly, the branches must be connected to the vine to be alive. The vine is their source of nourishment and support. They cannot exist without that connectedness.
Secondly, though the branches are many, they all form one vine. By
being connected to each other, they become something greater than a collection of individual branches. They become one beautiful and fruitful vine.
Thirdly, the vine master looks at his vineyard with pride and joy. He loves and cares for the work of his hands. He pays attention to the details along each branch. He longs for it to flourish and bear fruit.
What do you
notice about the vine, the branches and the vine master? Do you feel connected to those around you? Do you feel connected to the source of your life? Do you feel connected to the one who created and sustains you?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
