October 6, 2002

It takes a cooperative effort between God and humans to produce rich, succulent grapes. The seed, the climate, the land, and the rain come from God. The planting, the watering, the pruning, and the nurturing come from the vinedressers. These Scriptures about the vineyard counsel us to cultivate the fruits of God's cherished vine.

What better image is there for the people of God than a precious vineyard that is cared for with devotion, to create the largest and fullest possible yield! No grape is neglected, even the smallest and farthest grapes from the root receive the loving attention of the vinedressers. WHY? Because there are so many people who crave the choice fruits of God's small-cherished vine.

Paul's Letter describes the fruit of the vine that we should be producing in detail - sweet, juicy grapes that feed hungry bodies and refresh thirsty spirits. Such fruit is a gift from God, who creates and sustains both the vineyard and the vinedressers. Such fruit requires human labor. And, such fruit belongs, finally to the Lord. We are challenged today to consider what kind of fruit we are producing for the owner of the vineyard, for God has given and God can take away the blessings of the kingdom.

During Mass we pray, "Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, the fruit of the vine and work of human hands." The wine we offer in the Eucharist is the fruit of our labors for God's Human family. The consecrated wine we drink at Communion is a binding symbol of the Church's covenant with the Lord to do what Jesus did and pour out our lives for God's people.

SO THE QUESTION: WHAT FRUITS DOES GOD EXPECT THE CHURCH TO PRODUCE? FOR YOU TO PRODUCE?

Click here to view the archive