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Home John 15:1-5 NRSVue

John 15:1-5 NRSVue

1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide 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. 5I 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.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
A vine can easily run wild. It needs careful tending of the soil and constant pruning. Otherwise it shows barren branches. Jesus' image suggests the intimate bond between vine and branches, the sap flowing, the buds fruiting.

Reflection
Lord, I have learned this well: it is only if I bring you to others that I can be of any help to them. If I bring myself, my contact is barren and sterile. Let me abide in you.

Reflection
The fruits of our Christian life are the work of God. Each of us can see the life and work of God in others - in ministry, in love, in commitment, courage, endurance, and ordinary daily kindness and compassion. Each of us, too, is gifted in some unique way. We can bear fruit for God in a way nobody else can. The tone of the gospel is different in everyone who spreads it. Prayer helps us recognise the fruits, develop them and offer them in the service of God and God's people.

Reflection
The closeness of the relationship with ourselves and Jesus is like branch and tree. One gives life to the other and draws life from the other. A real relationship with Jesus is life-giving - it is loving, healing and challenging. It brings life to the soul and energy to the body. The relationship itself bears fruit and brings to each of us a loving and energetic quality of life.

Reflection
When we try to do good in our lives and live according to the word of God and the gospel of Jesus, God helps us. With love and grace, God removes in me what is not good, and makes my gifts and qualities of love and service grow even more if I give God the chance. God is creating each of us every day, growing us in love and service. We need just to be there, to allow ourselves be reached by him in prayer, and be touched in heart and soul each day by the word of Jesus.

Reflection
I am now invited to abide - to be at home - with Jesus. I recall some of the places in which I have lived, places that I have called 'home'. I think of what helps me to feel at home.