Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Gardening requires an attention to detail for which not everyone has time. In recent years our garden has been let go as precious resources were given over to school and seminary. Starting last fall we have begun to be more intentional in trying to recover the good plants that remained. We spent hours pulling weeds last fall and this spring. The roses are blooming prolifically this year as they were finally pruned like they should. Still the heat of the day and the lack of watering has left the hanging baskets almost beyond being saved from the withered state which they were allowed to become.
In the first reading, the Apostles were wrestling with the idea of salvation and who was able to be saved. Because of their differing points of view and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles called the Church together to discuss and discern a path forward. The words recall the opening of this Council of Jerusalem. Like this council, most are convened to address a point of doctrinal tension within the Church. In this case, the issue debated was whether the followers of Christ must become circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law.
We know now that the Church discerned that it not necessary for the followers of Jesus to be circumcised in order to become Christian. That said today’s gospel does make clear that we must be grafted to the true vine that is Christ. It is Christ who communicates his life to the branches. It is the life of grace which flows from Christ and is communicated to all the members of his body, which is the Church. Without this new sap, the branches produce little fruit, because they wither and die.
When we are inter-connected with Christ our lives will bear much fruit. Is there a way that the Lord is trying to prune us so that connection to the vine can be strengthened? Consider how will this pruning help us bear more fruit?
Lord, You are the true vine, and You alone can save us. Help us to recognize clearly the ways You are counseling and pruning us so we might best follow You; who lives and reigns, one God now and forever! Amen! Alleluia!
- Deacon Michael Montgomery