John 15:1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit…….remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches……Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither.
People will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
love working in my yard in the Springtime.
Although I have no experience with a vineyard the scripture for today reminds me of my flower garden. Vineyards and gardens are both beautiful analogies for faith and belief in God. Just as a vineyard and a garden needs to be cared for so does our faith life.
Vines as well as flowers have delicate root systems that grow in strength with the right nutrients, water, and sun. Similarly, our faith is delicate and requires nurturing to gain depth and strength. The right nutrients may include regular faith sharing with a church community, family, and/or friends. Perhaps daily quiet time with God to read, reflect, and journal.
Vineyards and gardens mature each year, and their yields are increasingly robust and richer. Similarly, when we spend time nurturing our faith it grows stronger and is more influential.
The scripture reading today communicates how God is always present, his love is deep and abiding as is his commitment to nurture and guide us through life. Vineyards and gardens provide time to enjoy nature’s silence, to listen to an inner voice that may be God communicating perhaps sharing a simple message of love stating “ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you”……
I in turn count the many blessings in my life that are gifts from God…especially the vineyards/gardens within my life.
Cindy Costanzo
I have worked at Creighton University since 2005 as a full-time associate professor in the College of Nursing (CON), graduate school, and College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). In 2023, I transitioned to part-time as a adjunct associate professor in CPCE within the Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Education department. I love working with doctoral students as they journey toward their terminal degree.
Reading and writing reflections for this ministry augments my daily meditation and allows me to grow closer to Jesus. Spending this time in prayer and meditation over the past several years has transformed me in ways I am forever grateful.
