It may not have felt like much of a summer, with many rainy days and only a few bright sunny ones. However here at the Bield we have still managed to grow a healthy crop of grapes for guests to enjoy at lunchtime.
Standing in the greenhouse, looking at these bunches of grapes, the phrase “the fruit of the vine and work of human hands will become our spiritual drink” that is often said during Eucharistic services comes to mind. It had always puzzled me somewhat why it was phrased in this way.
However here looking at this grape vine nurtured by our gardeners and ripening in the sun against the backdrop of the bright blue sky, I realised something of the importance of the mutual interdependence of the relationship between us and God - that the vine we tend as stewards of creation, also tends us. Neither us nor the vine can thrive alone. Jesus joins us in the vineyard, guiding and giving us life so that we may, in turn, build greenhouses that with sun and soil and rainwater, and careful pruning, produce abundant fruit. It is a participation in the very life, death and resurrection of Jesus, that we may offer our lives, our gifts, time and talents - the work of human hands. But at the same time, all that is good which we offer to God was first given to us by God.
There are many references to vines throughout the bible where references to vines represent fruitfulness, prosperity, and abundance and symbolise spiritual growth, but only when connected to God. Perhaps one of the best-known passages is John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
You may want to ponder this passage for a while. I wonder what keeps you connected with God. Before we can harvest the grapes, savour the wine, and pour it into the hearts of others, we must let that vine grow within us…
For me, quiet prayer and contemplation is important, time alone in nature, to listen to the prophetic voice of God deep within and around us. Do I bear fruit? Well perhaps others should be the judge of that, but I certainly get much inspiration, and in these times, I find a sense of peace that the world cannot give.
Liz
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