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Gospel: John 15: 1-8
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
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.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Over the last year, I’ve developed an interest in gardening. It’s a nice way to relax after a day’s work.
One basic lesson I’ve learned is that there are two types of branches – those that bear fruit and those that don’t.
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We’ve all seen withering branches. They’re dark, limp, and slow to die. But even as they wither, they sap energy from the vine.
It’s a fascinating truth: withering branches take energy to die.
It’s why gardeners must prune them; they take away nutrients that could otherwise be used by healthy branches.
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In the Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit.”
Meaning, God will prune those withering branches in our heart, which sap our energy and give nothing back. Consider poor habits, relationships, or grudges.
They steal our time and energy, without making us happier.
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What’s the withering branch in my heart? Who or what takes my energy without bearing fruit?
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Every gardener knows that pruning makes plants healthier.
Similarly, it may cause some suffering, but allowing the Lord to remove withering branches from our hearts makes us happier, healthier people.
Come, Holy Spirit.
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Image credits: (1) Gardening Know How (2) Insight of the King (3) Young-Catholics.com