5th week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 18th May 2022 — Gospel: Jn 15,1-8
Disciplined Disciple
Pruning is essential preparation for bearing fruit. Imagine a grapevine that is overgrown with old or broken branches. Without pruning, it grows wild and it bears tiny grapes. God acts in his capacity as vine dresser and does what is best for the vine. The vine dresser prunes the productive branches and removes the lifeless branches. The reason to cut away branches that will not produce any fruit is that it robs the fruitful parts of branches from the much-needed nutrients. This pruning of the branches is not meant to be restrictive or punitive, but to be life-giving. God “prunes” his disciples through his Word. Notice how closely the word “discipline” is to “disciple”. To be a disciple is to be obedient. The disciples have been given an insight through scriptures how they must remain united with the vine. God reinforces our good actions and habits and patiently persuades us from our sinful actions and habits. God’s word that is two-edged sword gently prunes the unfruitful parts of our life, especially those actions that prevents us from bearing fruit.
