Some of you may know that we have a vine in our greenhouse. Last year we were in competition with our resident blackbird, who appeared to “steal” all the grapes. (We knew it was him because he has a distinctive white fleck on his side). This year I have been more vigilant, or lucky, and have managed to harvest some delicious bunches of grapes.
I wonder what fruit is your favourite?
We also have a peach tree, and until earlier in the year we had a very large fig tree. Unfortunately the fig tree had to be removed as it was infested with a moth which returned despite some vigorous pruning last autumn.
Fruits are mentioned many times in the bible – “I am the true vine” John 15. Figs feature frequently throughout both the Old and the New Testaments. In Matthew 21 Jesus curses a fig tree because it is all leaves and no fruit.
Are we sometimes like that fig tree? We put on a good show but bear no fruit. We might even become “distracted” by things that prevent us from bearing good fruit.
Are we like the vine that bears fruit in such abundance that it can be shared with all? Just as my grapes are delicious to both a cheeky blackbird and me, can our fruit be shared with a whole diversity of people?
Prayer: Loving God, may we be unafraid to share our faith in different ways. Forgive us when we put on a good show but fail to produce healthy fruit. May we bear good fruit desired by all. AMEN