‘I am the true vine’

‘I am the true vine’

‘I am the true vine’

# Reflections

‘I am the true vine’

Reflection five – ‘I am the true vine’

This is the fifth in a series of reflections focussing on the natural world and what it can teach us about our relationship with God. I’m hoping that you’re now doing your own ‘nature noticing’ and feeling God’s presence in His wonderful creation all around us.

Today is a very cold February day in the rectory garden and I’m standing in front of a grapevine, which produces lovely fruit, but is very much in need of pruning; which is my theme for this week.

You may not be surprised to find the reading is from John’s gospel, chapter 15. Significantly, these words were spoken by Jesus to his disciples the day before his arrest and crucifixion:

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.’

In these verses, there is a strong emphasis on pruning. This led me to question whether the pandemic could be God’s way of pruning the world. But this is an uncomfortable thought and one that is certainly not consistent with the God ‘who so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16.

Instead I believe that we should consider pruning as God’s way of helping us to bear more fruit and lead the best lives in His presence that we can. Try not to think of pruning as just ‘getting rid’ of dead wood, but as a way of preparing a branch to grow the best fruit possible. 

Every bush, every plant and every tree needs pruning in a special way, and at the right time. Just like the trees which need dead branches removing,  we need to be reshaped at different times and in different areas of our lives. Most of us carry around ‘dead branches’ with us. It may be an unhelpful relationship, unfulfilling work or an inner fear that is holding us back. God knows exactly when and how each of us need pruning to bear the most fruit. We just need to trust in God and allow Him to do this important work in our lives. It is not always easy to give up the ‘dead branches’ we’ve become attached to. Letting go may be painful, but the rewards will be worth it.

It’s also worth considering who the people are in your life who help you to flourish. In my case, this person is my beloved mother who died 20 years ago. Yet with her gentle, beautiful nature, she nurtured and taught me to bear fruit. This gift I will carry with me all of my life.

This week, I would urge you to think about how you can make your life more productive and more fruitful. Reflect on how you can let go of whatever is holding you back in deepening your relationship with God. What in your life would benefit from pruning? And what would help you to grow and flourish in your faith?

If you have your own reflections on the natural world which help you feel connected with God, please share them with me in a message.

With blessings

Rev Rona

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