Eastertide
April 28, 2018
Scripture Reading: John 15:1-8
‘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. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
I love the imagery of the vine and the branches and bearing fruit because it means I have help regarding anything I am called to do. The imagery of being pruned and having branches cut off is a little off-putting. One of my good traits is tenacity; one of my bad traits is tenacity. Learning when, as Jesus says, to shake the dust off your feet* and move on is hard. In Oklahoma, I worked with a team for ten years to get legislation passed to improve the quality of child care in the state. Preparing preschoolers for kindergarten is vital particularly children coming from families who did not have that opportunity themselves. I was a bit player in this pursuit, but I watched the experts in early childcare development work with tenacity until they got the job done. On the other hand, how many times should one pound his or her head against a brick wall before he or she realized their efforts are to no avail?
Sometimes the right thing to do is to put a good idea on hold until a better time. Sometimes finding a different path to attain the desired outcome will become apparent.
I think God must be the most tenacious of all for God is still depending on we humans to make this world just and merciful.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on us. Trim our branches and nourish us with your love as we strive to know and do your will. Amen.
*See Matthew 10:14