Fr Paul reads from John’s Gospel (15: 1-8) in which Jesus tells his disciples, ‘I am the True Vine’ and invites them to make their home in him, as ‘I make mine in you’.
The vine was a long and loved symbol of Israel. It has been used right throughout the scriptures and, now, it is used in this Last Supper discourse as they are on their way to Gethsemane.
In this context, Fr Paul notes, it acquires a new dimension – the pain of pruning. However, the suffering of Jesus is not the main point; but it is the disciples, they must be prepared for the pain of pruning.
We can all go different ways in life; however, we must stay attached to the vine; to Christ, himself, who gives us life.
For our reflection today, Fr Paul asks, ‘How attached to Christ am I, at this time in my life?’
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