Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower…. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Jesus uses the imagery of a vine and branches to illustrate the vital connection between believers and himself, emphasizing that abiding in him is essential for bearing fruit and glorifying our heavenly Father. He warns us that he will take away “every branch that does not bear fruit; and prune those who do bear fruit to become even more fruitful.

As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that fruitfulness directly results from our abiding in Christ. Strive to remain connected to the true vine, Jesus, through faith, prayer, and obedience so that we may bear much fruit and glorify the Father. We are not meant to be branches but as fruit-bearing branches, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in all that we do. Keep also in mind that the branches that are cut off were once fruit-bearing. Now, they are dead. What happened?

How do we continue to bear fruit? Above all, we can do this by praying and raising our minds and hearts to God each day. We may resist pruning; it hurts. Yet, pruning is vital if we are to bring forth new life. We must trust God’s pruning process. In this Eastertide season, we should reflect on what it means to dwell “in Christ” as a member of his church. Too many have come to regard their membership in the church altogether too casually over time. We become living disciples not merely by coming to Mass (now and then) or not committing serious sins, but by bearing fruit. That is our vocation: loving one another as Jesus has loved us.

Let Us Pray:

O loving Jesus, help me to be so united with you that I bear much fruit. Help me appreciate more fully the importance of being a living member of your body here on earth to better reflect your love to all.