Pruned to Produce

Jesus makes a powerful statement – “I am the true vine.” This reveals an important truth and issues a call for all who want to bear spiritual fruit. Jesus says, “It is to the glory of my Father that you bear much fruit…you will be my disciples.”

In his homily, Fr Ryan explained that the Old Testament describes Israel as a vine chosen by God. However, Israel ultimately failed to produce the lasting fruit God expected. Jesus contrasts this by calling Himself the “true vine” – the source of real spiritual nourishment.

But who are the disciples Jesus refers to as the branches connected to the vine to bear fruit? The answer is both simple and challenging – it’s us. We are called to be true disciples.

There are many Christians today, but few who are true disciples. We are all connected to the same vine, but are we producing fruits? We need to prune ourselves according to the Word of God. To be a true disciple means staying vitally united with the vine – abiding in Christ’s teachings and commands. As branches, we must produce spiritual fruits like faith, obedience, mercy and charity.

Producing this fruit requires diligent spiritual pruning – realigning our lives with God’s Word. Just as Saul experienced radical transformation, we need a profound metanoia – conversion of heart, mind and soul.

“Let us love, not just with words but with actions and truth” (1 John 3:18). To truly love, we must stay united with Christ, trusting His grace, not worldly distractions.

Here is the warning: Any branch refusing pruning from His Word, will wither and be burned. Lack of spiritual fruit shows disconnect from the source of life.

So let us heed the call to true discipleship – steadfastly remaining in the true vine, Jesus, allowing pruning from Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s work. Only by abiding in Him can we bear fruits glorifying our Father. (Media team)