In a world where we encounter all kinds of love, let us experience His divine love that might hurt but …
Gospel – 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. – The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
I recall my Mom who used to lovingly tend to her money plant in her former home in Mumbai. She spent hours taking care of the plant and ensuring it got all necessary nutrients and sunlight. She washed and cleaned all the dirt around the place, removed the dried leaves and made way for fresh new growth. She did all this because she treated the plant like her own child and showered her love on it; in response it grew beautifully and the lush green leaves decorated our balcony. Her love and affection shone through its beauty.
In today’s lovely Gospel passage, we see God our Father as the Vine grower, Jesus the Vine and we the branches of this vine. From time to time God prunes us through tough life experiences whereby He gets rid of unnecessary baggage, unclutters our life and purifies, heals and cleanses us. As we endure this long, unpleasant, hurtful process, it feels like He is distant and just doesn’t care. But actually our loving Father is watching over us at every step and strengthening us as we struggle and find our way through. Looking back, we then later realize how this seemingly excruciating process fulfills His wonderful plan and purpose for our life. (See Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)
We often dread this pruning process and attempt to bypass it using all kinds of shortcuts. But wait, let us remember His promise ‘No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.’ (1 Corinthians 10:13) Yes indeed He provides us a way out, the grace to endure whatever comes our way. This happens through Jesus the Vine, which is why He asks us to abide in Him at all times and to cling to Him tightly. As He aptly reminds us ‘Apart from me, you can do nothing’.
How do we abide in Him? “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” (John 15:10) “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
God is Love and when we cling to Him and to His Son Jesus, this love naturally flows in and through us. It nourishes, cleanses and purifies us from within, helping the Holy Spirit to work inside us and manifest the fruits that will glorify God the Father. And through this, His love comes shining through. ‘It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me’ (Galatians 2:20a)
His love might hurt but it will never ever abandon.
(Reference verses: Job 5:17-18, John 6:56, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Galatians 5:22-23a, Colossians 2:7, 1 John 4:16)
Let us pray
Dear Lord, thank you for your invitation to be nourished in your love. Forgive us for the times we dread the pruning process and separate ourselves from you thereby going astray and withering away. With total faith and trust, help us to cling to you the true Vine and to abide in your steadfast love at all times. We ask this in the mighty, holy and precious name of Jesus – Amen!
God bless you!
Audio Credit: Ms. Anita Lewis