“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. The vine grower removes every branch in the vine that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit the vine grower prunes to make it bear more fruit.” [John 15:1-2]
Gardeners know the importance of pruning. If a rose bush does not undergo its annual pruning, the bush will become weak and poorly shaped with smaller blooms. It will also be more prone to pests and disease. Pruning is necessary for the health of the bush and for the beauty of its roses. Jesus uses this metaphor during his conversation with the disciples on the night of his arrest. He reminds his disciples that God is the vine grower, which means the pruner! Then Jesus says, “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” In the agricultural setting of their time, the disciples would have understood this metaphor, even though they may not have liked it. Jesus did say, “You are the branches,” and that “you” includes us! What needs pruning right now in your life? What needs to be cut away, so that new growth is possible? Where is growth stagnated in your ministry? Let us remember that even with pruning, new growth is possible if we stay connected to the vine!
Prayer
Loving God, you tend my love with care and compassion. Yet, you know more fully where I need pruning. May I have the grace to submit to your care so that I might bloom more productively for your kindom. Amen.
