"I am the Vine and You are the Branches"

Scripture Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 3, 2015)

Scripture Readings:
Acts 9:26-31
Psalm 22
1 John 3:18-24
John 15:1-8

This weekend’s gospel reading is a familiar one. We are offered a tangible metaphor comparing our relationship with Christ to a vineyard. Grapevines and vineyards were very culturally and economically significant during Biblical times. People knew how important it was to care for the vineyards, as their life and livelihood could depend on it. The difference between a fruitful vine and a vine without fruit meant the difference between life and death, symbolically and literally.

In the analogy, Christ is the vine and we, his followers, are the branches. When considering a grape vine, we know that the branches are where the fruit is found, and the vine is what provides the support and nutrients.

In reflecting on this passage, I began thinking about the point of connection between the vine and branch. The quality of this connection certainly determines the fruitfulness. The connection could be deep and genuine, or superficial and at surface level. Our own fruitfulness in life depends not just on being connected with Christ, but by how deeply and securely we are connected to him. Being connected at face value will not provide us with the maximum amount of sustenance.

The verse says “Whoever remains in me will bear much fruit”. We are called to not just remain with Christ, but remain in Him. In considering what that might look like in my own life, I think about the actions of individuals who have remained in Christ (both people I know personally and Saints I admire). Spending time with Christ through attending Mass, participating in the sacraments, having a routine of daily prayer, and studying and learning more about our faith, are all ways that can help us remain in Christ.

As I often think at the grocery store, the quality of fruit matters...doesn’t it? There is a big difference between a ripe banana and a rotten one. The quality of our spiritual fruit depends on being rooted in Christ. I reflect on the quality of my spiritual gifts that I bring to others. And continue to strive to allow God to bring out my best!

Image: Grapes by Amanda found on Flickr under the Creative Commons License