John 15:1-8 (NRSV)
Read John 15:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 15"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. Verse 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. Verse 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Verse 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. Verse 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Verse 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Verse 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Verse 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Devotion
I used to serve a congregation that handed each new member a scrappy little ivy houseplant with the base of the pot simply wrapped in some tinfoil. Some longtime members reported that their plants were still alive several decades later, the ivy snaked around the molding in their living room. Others watched their plants shrivel up and die before they found a proper pot and window sill.
The green thumbs urged less experienced gardeners not to become discouraged or to read too much into the metaphor. The community would always be much heartier than any single aloe or philodendron! And they were right. That little parish has a way of folding people from the margins into the very center of life so that everyone is changed and the whole church body bears fruit. The branches grow strong because of their connection to the vine. They invite and welcome so well because they do so with the gratitude and joy that they feel about their own invitation and welcome in Christ.
Prayer
God of life, we gather because you have extended an invitation to life abundant. Send us into the world inspired by your welcome so that all of our words and deeds bear good fruit that is rooted in Christ. Amen.