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
As Julian of Norwich beheld a small, mundane hazelnut in her hand she was struck by the majesty of God. The Creator made the small nut, loved the hazelnut, and kept it close. All things have their beginning because of God’s enduring and powerful love. Julian is not alone in turning towards nature and the created world to make sense of the Divine. Jesus in many parables uplifted creation to deepen our understanding and faith—mustard seeds, hazelnuts, lilies, grape vines
The created world offers so many lessons and insights. Take a moment of time today to just observe a part of nature. Behold and abide in God’s beauty. Your encounter with nature can be big or small—from the gentle rustle of the wind in the trees, to the intricate patterns on the bottom of a leaf, to the serenity of a vibrant sunset—let all of them be a reminder of God’s abiding presence in Christ.
Prayer
God of majestic moments and quiet moments, we rejoice in your holy presence. All of your creation sings and praises you. Amen.
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