Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today’s Gospel lesson, John 15:1-11 (including verses 12-14 too), is a beautiful passage for its agricultural symbolism and hierarchy. Jesus calls himself the ‘true vine’, God the Father is the ‘vinedresser’, and we are the ‘branches’.

This whole story reminds me of the icon of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. To the side of the river is a tree with an ax next to it, reminding us of what happens to the tree that does not bear good fruit. Suddenly, the lovely agrarian imagery of the vine takes on a threatening aspect, and the lesson becomes more urgent.

As ‘branches’, we are actually part of Christ in the most organic sense. We participate in the life of Christ, in the sap, in the pith of the vine. Our very existence is based on the reality that we are part of Christ and that we must bear fruit.

What is the 'fruit' in this image? Jesus makes it clear: bearing fruit means keeping his commandments. Furthermore, bearing fruit means to ‘abide in his love’ and to ‘love one another as I have loved you’. It means a life characterized by sacrifice and a mutual indwelling: us in Christ and Christ in us.

I am reminded by this story that my growth, my love and my obedience are not optional responses: they are rather the reason I exist. I was made in the very image of the triune God, and thus I find the fullest expression of my humanity in the same mutual life found in God: indwelling, abiding, loving.

Justin

P.S. I’ve included a link to the Arvo Pärt anthem I am the true vine, the text of which fully incorporates this lesson from John. I include it because the setting illustrates the 'mutual life' about which we have been speaking here.