Why does Jesus speak of himself as the true vine? The image of the vine was a rich one for the Jews since the land of Israel was covered with numerous vineyards. It had religious connotations to it as well. Isaiah spoke of the house of Israel as “the vineyard of the Lord” (Isaiah 5:7). Jeremiah said that God had planted Israel “as His choice vine” (Jeremiah 2:21). While the vine became a symbol of Israel as a nation, it also was used in the Scriptures as a sign of degeneration, a deformed state of spiritual growth and moral decline. Isaiah's prophecy spoke of Israel as a vineyard which “yielded wild grapes” (see Isaiah 5:1-7). Jeremiah said that Israel had become a “degenerate and wild vine” (Jeremiah 2:21).

This image of a vine and its branches is an organic one. It makes sense to gardeners and farmers. Such an organic relationship, or set of relationships, is at the heart of the relationship between Christ and His disciples. Jesus is teaching us about the nature of the Body of Christ through this agricultural image. Christ is the vine. His disciples are the branches or the members of the Body. When Jesus calls Himself the true vine, He makes it clear that no one can grow in spiritual fruitfulness and moral goodness unless they are rooted in God and in His Life-giving Word.

Jesus offers true life, the abundant life which comes from God and which results in great fruitfulness. How does the vine become fruitful? The vine dresser must carefully prune the vine before it can bear good fruit. Jesus says there can be no fruit in our lives apart from Him. Those disciples who do not abide in Jesus, cut themselves off from their source of life. They will be like the branches which wither and die as they are not attached to the vine.

Are we the disciples who do not want to abide in Jesus and cut ourselves off from Him, the very source of our life? Let’s meditate this week on our intimate relationships with Jesus.

Blessings! 

 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal Update

                                             St. Finbarr           St. Patrick           St. Ignatius

Goal                                     $8,305.00           $6,118.00            $9,802.00

Donors                                 17                           16                              30                                                                                                                                                            Total Received YTD           $5,425.00           $6,645.00            $7,930.00                                                                                               

$ Needed to Reach Goal  $2,880                    +$527                    $1,872                                                                                                               

Please keep sick, hospitalized & home-bound Tri-Parish members in your prayers.

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