Jesus said, “I 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.” John 15:5
The above Bible verse has always been one of my favorites. It is of course one of Jesus’ great “I am” statements found in the Gospel of John. By saying “I am” Jesus is identifying himself with the great “I AM,” Yahweh, the God of Israel. (See Exodus 3:13-15.)
This beautiful metaphor from nature about the vine and the branches points to the deep organic unity that exists between Jesus and his followers. Jesus is the Source, the fountain of Life.
The key for us as followers of Jesus is that we “abide” in him. The Greek word used here is meno which has several nuanced meanings: “abide”, “remain", “dwell”, “continue to be present.” Menoing or abiding in Christ is the essence of our contemplative practice. Through silence and contemplation we abide in Christ. As The Book of Common Prayer puts it so poetically: “That he may dwell in us and we in him.”
This organic connection allows us to continually receive spiritual nourishment from the Divine Source. We dwell in the flow of Grace. And the benefit of all of this deep intimate spiritual practice is that over time we bear fruit for God’s Kingdom. (See Galatians 5:22-23.)
Next time you are outside in nature or working in your garden, take a look at a bush with its branches. Imagine how beautifully and wondrously you are connected to Christ.
~ PR