Introduction

Today’s Gospel (John 15.1-8) addresses a now-familiar concept.

 

In today’s Gospel we read about God as a gardener who prunes to effect greater spiritual growth. In the press we read that political leaders in the West are still arguing whether austerity can bring about the much-needed economic growth to take the world economy out of recession.

 

This week's news         

Greek socialists hope that François Hollande will win the French election, as the rift grows over the European Union’s approach to austerity.

 

Despite the hosepipe ban in some parts of the country, Britain is on a renewed flood alert, for we have had the wettest April on record.

 

The world marks the first anniversary of Osama-bin-Laden’s death.

 

Surprise candidate Roy Hogdson becomes the next England football manager.

 

Reflection

Last week, the gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh visited Oathall Community College, in West Sussex, where children can complete their studies while working on a farm. He later opened a new school farm shop which aims to introduce students to the final stage of the farming production cycle. Titchmarsh is keen to promote a career some call the ‘world’s oldest profession’ (Adam and Eve were tasked with tending the Lord’s garden). While Titchmarsh does not suggest that his vocation is a dying one, he is quick to point out that it is definitely not the career choice of most young people.

 

Although we still rely on produce that is grown for our survival, many of us know very little about how our food is cultivated. Indeed, if you give the average person a pair of shears and ask them to prune a plant or bush, many would not know where to start and may be afraid that their work will do more harm than good.

 

It can be argued that for some people, the physical act of ‘pruning’ involves pain and is even ‘cruel’ – it does after all entail ‘limbing’. When political leaders talk about implementing ‘cuts’ or austerity plans, we are told to expect them to be painful – politicians like to use the ‘no pain, no gain’ paradigm when describing this form of strong economic medicine. While politicians may know how to implement cuts, they cannot guarantee that these measures will result in growth or ‘fruit’ – a reality we are currently experiencing across the European Union.

 

In John 15.1- 8, we read about a God who is an ‘expert gardener’, who unlike our politicians, knows where, when and how deep to make the right cuts. Likewise, God can guarantee that his cuts will prove efficacious for all concerned. His spiritual shears are wielded with the expert precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, clinically removing anything that hinders our spiritual growth and ability to bear fruit for him. The Lord’s ‘pruning’ can take many forms and can be as painless as having a haircut to dispose of split ends to encourage new growth, or as hurting as having root and branch surgery to remove harmful agents from the body. Either way, the aim is the same; to bring into being a flourishing Christian.

 

In the chosen Gospel verses we read that there is a three way relationship, in which the ‘branches’ (us) are dependent on both the gardener and the vine. This is very much a ‘dependency’ relationship which goes against our natural instincts to be independent and self-sufficient. However, Jesus is adamant that ‘apart from me you can do nothing.’ (John 15.5).

 

Likewise, Jesus is also clear that we abide in him for a purpose – the branches are not joined to the vine solely for survival but also for growth. There is an explicit understanding that the gardener expects the branches to be productive rather than just look pretty. The question is, are we ‘sitting pretty’ or being productive?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
give us the obedience and patience
to abide in you at all times.
Help us to remain faithful during times of testing,
in the knowledge that we are your handiwork.
Make us more productive for you,
enabling us to become Christians who manifest
the fruit of your love and compassion
to a hurting world.
This we ask in Jesus’ name. 
Amen.

Questions

• What do you think are the ‘fruits’ that Christ talks about?
• Can we equate the ‘bearing of fruits’ with a successful Christian life?

Action

What attitudes, behaviour or practices discourage spiritual growth in our lives? Spend some time in prayer and meditation asking the Lord to reveal those parts of our lives that need pruning to enable us to ‘bear much fruit’ for him.

 

Young People

Find out more about what it means to ‘bear fruit’, especially with regard to good deeds and generosity. Over the next few days discover ways in which the practical love of God can be shown among neighbours and those in the local community.

 

Richard Reddie is a writer and researcher. His latest book, Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker is published by Lion Hudson. He worships at St James Church (CofE) West Streatham, London.

Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.