‘ I am the and true vine and my father is the vinedresser.
John 15. 1
Jesus has given us many images of his heavenly Father. We find comfort in the picture of the Prodigal Father welcoming home his wayward son. At the Last Supper, however, our Lord gives us a new image of God. He is a vinegrower with a sharp knife who prunes the vine to make it grow more fruit.
A good vinedresser knows the right time to prune and he knows where to cut the branches. He always prunes with great care and his work bears fruit. Now Jesus said that we are the branches who need pruning. How does our Heavenly father prune us? We can be sure that he prunes us with gentleness. So let us trust him even when it hurts.
I’m reminded of a saintly old priest whom people used to visit in time of trouble. His advice was always the same, ‘leave yourself in God’s hands. He knows what is best for you right now and he will treat you with tenderness and care’
Prayer
God Our loving Father, you are the vine-dresser who prunes each of us with great care so that we may bear more fruit. We leave ourselves in your strong and gentle hands for you know what is best for us. Help us to trust you when we feel your sharp touch. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
