Scripture

“The branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine” (John 15.4)

Reflection:

Was Jesus stating the obvious? Vines need lots of pruning if they are to bear a good crop, and pruned shoots never do get to produce fruit. “I” said Jesus “am the true vine”.

It’s like the parable of the seeds – some seeds get started but… To live, and to live well, we need not just physical blood supply, we need a constant supply of fresh Spirit. If mains appliances are unplugged, they stop working; rechargeable batteries need a power source. The life and words of Jesus are a source of inspiration: the story of the Resurrection is not about the past, it’s a way of saying that the power for good that was shown in Jesus is very much alive and with us. Let’s not get cut off!

David Harmsworth