This week, Jesus presents the image of himself as the strong vine in the vineyard, and we are the branches, while God is the heavenly Gardener. At times, we fall away, wither in our faith, and without the sustenance and strength we get from being connected to Jesus the vine, we are cast away into the fire. But Jesus our Savior claims us in his Word and baptism, so we can be restored. Sometimes we are pruned-things are changed or taken away in our lives. God the Gardener does this for all our own good-so that we might grow stronger to bear the fruits of faithfulness. Sometimes we bear the fruit of faith-and that means living as Jesus calls us as disciples, and not as the world calls us. And sometimes, we bear even more fruit of faith-all of that is with the support and life of the Holy Spirit. Being connected to Jesus through Word and Sacrament allows his Spirit to live and abide in us, as we live and abide in him. When we stay connected, we grow as disciples who bear the fruits of faith as, led by the Spirit, we serve God and share Christ’s love with all.
Leave a Reply