“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 every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit … 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” (Jn 15:1-4).
I always appreciate imagery in the Bible, and these words from the Gospel of John proclaim the mystery of the Trinity and its invitation to humanity in a way that is very identifiable to me.
Just as the vine image prompts us to picture the relationship between the parts of a single plant, we understand that the Father, Son, and Spirit – although referred to by different names – are all one God. Jesus states that he is the vine. He is the Word made flesh – a visible product of the Father. The Father is referred to as the vine grower who tends the vine, trimming and disposing of unproductive branches and pruning fertile ones so they will continue to bear fruit. The fruit of the vine – product of the combination of vine and grower – represents the Spirit.
Each of these features of a plant requires the other to exist and achieve its purpose. Each part has a name and an identifiable role, but not one is more important than the other; each is essential. Furthermore, a plant’s fruit provides nourishment for others and represents the invitation extended by God, through the Spirit, to each of us to partake in God’s offerings.
This invitation is represented not only in the fruit provided for our spiritual growth and sustenance, but also in the idea of trimming branches. The branches that do not bear fruit are cut away and disposed of, just as those who reject God basically cut themselves off from the one who created and desires union with each of us. Perhaps even more notably, even the branches that do bear fruit need to be trimmed to increase their productivity.
No branch goes untended in God’s vineyard. Thus, even those people who strive to live in faith and attempt to spread the gifts of the Spirit throughout the world require regular “pruning” to reach their potential. Right now, I feel God’s pruning shears.
I am living in a time of transition in both my personal and work worlds. Our third child is graduating from high school, meaning we will soon have three young adults (and one teenager) living in our home. I know that helping my children grow was always the goal of parenthood, but after years of having “dependents” who truly needed me, milestones remind me that each of our children is becoming the independent and productive adult they are intended to be. The fruits of our family vine are growing and starting to extend into the world. May they serve the Master Grower well and bear the fruits of the seeds of faith planted within them.
Additionally, I am changing positions in my career. I have worked in the same job for six years, and when a staffing change was announced at our school, I felt called to explore the possibility of a transfer from learning resource to Grade 7. Unsure of what to do with this call, I asked God to give me a sign towards his plan, not mine. I was surprised to discover that sign almost immediately: a phone call asking me to present at a Grade 7 confirmation retreat.
I proceeded to have conversations with my principal and, after several days of discernment, he offered – and I accepted – the position. While I am very excited to teach the confirmation program and engage in new challenges, I occasionally find myself unsettled about leaving certain aspects of my former position and no longer working so closely with certain people. These moments of discomfort remind me that I am following God’s plan.
For pruning is not meant to be comfortable. I must accept challenges and trust in God, holding fast to the vine and allowing the Master vine grower to work within and enable me, a lowly branch, to bear fruit.
