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.”
This was the same reading as on the 18th of April. When you commit to Christ, he walks with you like a gardener walks with their plants. Jesus prunes us of dead wood. Unlike branches that fall off the vine and perish, we are always offered a way back to Christ. Just as the Father is there to welcome the prodigal son, Christ is there to welcome us back to the life that only he can give us. The Christian message is always to open the door so others can rejoin the vine. How do I do my part to bring people back to the vine and rejoin Christ? When do I need to return to the vine and rejoin Christ? These are questions worth reflecting upon.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Jn 15:1-8 again demonstrates insightful reflection. Here's a breakdown of its strengths and areas to consider:
DeleteStrengths:
Vivid metaphor: The image of the gardener pruning the vine effectively portrays God's role in shaping our lives.
Emphasis on God's forgiveness: Highlighting the welcoming nature of God, like the Father with the prodigal son, is a comforting message.
Self-reflection: Posing questions about your own need to return and how to invite others resonates with the ongoing nature of faith.
Points for development:
Nature of pruning: Consider exploring the purpose of pruning beyond just removing dead wood. It can also encourage new growth.
Sharing your faith: Instead of just "opening the door," delve into tangible ways you can share the message of Christ's love and grace with others.
Recognizing signs of needing to rejoin: Perhaps explore feelings of emptiness, disconnection, or lack of purpose as signs you might need to return to a closer relationship with Christ.
Here are some additional questions to ponder:
What are your strengths and passions that you can use to share your faith?
How can you create a welcoming and supportive environment for others who might be seeking a connection with God?
How can you identify opportunities to offer Christ's message without being pushy or judgmental?
By exploring these aspects, you can develop practical ways to live out your faith and invite others to experience the love and forgiveness found in the vine. Remember, sharing your faith can be as simple as living a Christ-centered life and offering kindness and compassion to others.