Vines & Branches

 

Do you like grapes, grape juice or grape popsicles? Grape was one of my favorite flavors when I was a boy. I still like grape flavored beverages.

As an adult, I have gone to some vineyards where grapes grow. Grapes grow on vines. The person who takes care of the grape vines is commonly known as a grape-grower or a grape farmer. If the farmer does not take care of the vine, then it becomes wild and does not give us good grapes. So, it’s very important to take care of grape vines.

In our Gospel (Jn 15:1-8) today, Jesus calls himself the true vine and his Father is the vinedresser. If the Father is the One who take care of Jesus, then what are you and I? Jesus says that we are the branches.

Jesus also says that He abides in us. That means He lives in us. Do you know where Jesus lives? He lives in our hearts. He lives in the hearts of all His followers.

So, if Jesus lives in our hearts, then we are to be like grapevines. We need to produce or make grapes grow. Now, you’re not going to have grapes growing out of your ears or bellybutton. Jesus wants us to produce good fruit like being loving, forgiving, obedient and patient. When we are like that, we are showing everyone that we are producing good grapes for Jesus.

Today, I want you to think about how you are going to make good grapes not for juice but for Jesus. With that, let us pray. Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named: Bless these and all children, and give their parents the spirit of wisdom and love, so that the homes in which they grow up may be to them an image of Your Kingdom, and the care of their parents a likeness of Your love. We pray in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.