Spiritual Corner -- The Vine and Branches

During the Last Supper, Jesus said to his disciples, “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.” (John 15:1-3). “And the Father is glorified when we bear much fruit and bear fruit that will remain. ” (John 15:8, 16).

To bear much fruit we must have a very intimate relationship with Jesus. Through the sacrament of Baptism, we have been grafted onto the true vine that is Jesus and we become the true branches. Through the grace of the Father as the vine grower, the vine and the branches have life. While the vine takes its nourishment from the ground, the branches receive their food and water from the vine. The vine is the source of life that enables the branches to bloom and bear fruit. If the branches are cut off from the vine, they will dry up and die.

Jesus is the true vine that gives life to the branches. It seeks to feed the branches to ensure that they will receive the spiritual food and nourishment that they need to bear fruit, the fruit of the Holy Spirit – love. Joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal. 5:22), these are the virtues that must shine through us so that we may remain attached to the vine as our source of life and happiness.

As branches, there are many ways that we can abide in Jesus and receive life from him so that we can bear fruit. One way is by listening to the Word of God which feeds and nourishes our souls, The Word of God has the power to transform us who sincerely seek the truth. By obeying God, and abiding in Jesus and Jesus in us, we bear fruit and bear abundant fruit that will remain.

Yours,
Deacon Thomas Kung