In his teaching Jesus used many images from nature. In this passage he offers us a very personal invitation to make our home in Him, as he makes His in us. We have a choice to accept or reject. For those who accept, the rewards and promises are great.
When the priest raises the chalice during mass, he says:
‘Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink’.
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. You are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. I commission you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last’ John 15
Nicolas Barré, in his teaching also uses images from nature, when he says to the teachers: ’Enable each one to grow according to their own unique giftedness’. ‘Different kinds of trees produce different kinds of fruit. We must not look for cherries on a plum tree. Each one of us must bear the kind of fruit that grace has given us and which attracts us.
Reflect on: What kind of fruit am I called to produce today in whatever ministry I am in?
Prayer: Glory be to God whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Amen.
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