Word to the Wise
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 5th Week of Easter - Wed
[Acts 15:1-6 and John 15:1-8,913]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....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.
A few days ago I spoke of the Farewell Discourse as a kind of "collage" made up of many images and thoughts that by themselves would be familiar but in this collage seem to tumble together. Our attention today is drawn to the image of the "true vine." This is one of Jesus' I AM statements, so it requires more than a casual recognition.
Anyone familiar with vineyards and viticulture knows how complex the process is that leads to the production of good grapes, whether of the table kind or the kind that makes for good wine! Aside from the crucial factors of soil, location and weather, there is the care for the vines themselves! The disciples would have some idea of this kind of care from their own casual observation since vineyards were part of the agricultural scene and wine a part of the dining culture of the time. Careful pruning is necessary if the vines are to bear fruit well no matter what the weather or location may be. I cannot claim to know the science behind all this but I do know it is necessary. I know too that if one cuts the main trunk, the branches above the cut will die. Jesus' blunt statement "without me you can do nothing" is the simple truth.
There can be a point in the life of a disciple where the sheer amount of "need" crying out for attention can be overwhelming. There is also a point in which a disciple can become enamored of his or her own abilities and forget the source that makes all of this possible. The image of the vine and branches can restore some perspective. No disciple can bear fruit unless there is that direct and intimate relationship to the main trunk of the vine. Nor can we disciples avoid the necessary "pruning" that will enable us to do a better job (or any job at all). Sometimes that "pruning" comes from our own healthy self-evaluation and sometimes from the people whom we serve.
The Farewell Discourse has an overall aim of encouraging and instructing disciples in maintaining their faith and ministry. There is more ahead of us in this "collage" of encouragement but the image of the vine and branches may require that we sit down and think about it for awhile! AMEN