Fifth Sunday of Easter - On vines, faith, and time.

In John's Gospel (Jn 15:1 - 8), Jesus says to each of us, I am the vine, you are the branches. Remain in me and I in you and you will bear much fruit.  I live now in Kansas, where vineyards are mostly young and may not convey the full meaning of John’s Gospel.  In the Central Valley of California, where I grew up, commercial wine grape growing dates back 200 years.  The grape vine on our farm was easily 100 years old, large, and gnarled, with branches that shaded small boys at play.   

Recently, I was back in California to see my mother and mother-in-law.  Both are well, as well can be in their last years.  We drove by vines that were old when our mothers were girls.  Those vines still produce.  Irrigation systems have changed with time.  We used to water the vines to maximize tonnage, but the wine was cheap and tasteless.  These vines now have drip systems that trickle just enough water to keep the vines alive and bearing fruit.  The vines produce fewer grapes, but the wine is treasured and rich.

We are connected in faith to a vine of old and rich tradition.  We could look at old things as something to be discarded.  But faith tells us that we live within the Ancient of Days, Our Lord.  It challenges us to see people differently, to value things for quality not for mass, and to seek those things that last.  May you be blessed for all ages. 

Be well and God Bless,

Deacon Ed Souza