This Gospel reading is a familiar one. We are offered a tangible metaphor comparing our relationship with Christ to a vineyard. Grapevines and vineyards were very culturally and economically significant during Biblical times. People knew how important it was to care for the vineyards, as their lives and livelihoods could depend on it. The difference between a fruitful vine and a vine without fruit meant the difference between life and death, symbolically and literally.

In the analogy, Christ is the vine and we, his followers, are the branches. When considering a grape vine, we know that the branches are where the fruit is found, and the vine is what provides the support and nutrients.

In reflecting on this in my life, I often think about the choices that I make at the grocery store, the quality of fruit matters...doesn’t it? There is a big difference between a green banana and one that is ready to be eaten and enjoyed. Also, the difference between the way a piece of fruit looks and its taste can be quite at odds.

The heart of the matter is, that the quality of our spiritual fruit depends on being rooted in Christ. I often reflect on the quality of the spiritual gifts that I bring to others as a teacher, wife, friend, colleague and mother and am very aware of the need to continue to strive to allow God to bring out my best!

Retrieved and adapted from http://www.catholicsoncall.org/i-am-vine-and-you-are-branches