In both Jeremiah (2:21) and Isaiah (5:1-7), we find that Israel is likened to the choice vine that was planted by God, but instead has become untamed and wild, producing bad fruit or none at all – as a result of their broken or damaged relationship with God. The Israelites already had an image of God the Father as the vine grower. Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
Vines have two kinds of branches, those that bear fruit and those that don’t. The nonproductive branches must be carefully pruned back so that all the nutrients go to the productive vines. We must allow ourselves to be pruned of all that is not of Jesus – sinful inclinations and habits. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus forgive our sins, restores our relationship with Him and gives us the grace to avoid the people, places and things that lead us into sin.
And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit in gave us. (1Jn3:23-24) We will bear abundant fruit when we love one another, in thought word and deed.
God bless us all always! DeaconMike