A Poem a Sunday

Easter V – B

April 29, 2018

John 15:1-8 - NRSV

Jesus the True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes[a] to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed[b]by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide 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. 5 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. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become[c] my disciples.

Footnotes:

1. John 15:2 The same Greek root refers to pruning and cleansing
2. John 15:3 The same Greek root refers to pruning and cleansing
3. John 15:8 Or be

A Poem a Sunday

Easter V - B

Abiding

Infant birds in their nests.

Seeds deep in the ground.

A newborn at its mother’s breast.

The lost when it is found.

Lovers in a first embrace.

Walking hand-in-hand.

A father’s contented face.

Bare feet in the sand.

A fireplace warming the room.

Black bears in a cave.

Mealtime as we’ve grown.

Surrounded by sun rays.

Vines that gently intertwine.

Branches reaching out.

Arms encircling like twine.

A soft rain after drought.

Wine poured in a chalice.

Bread spread out with grace.

Words of promise that last.

We glimpse a Divine face.

Copyright @2018 by Kenn Storck

May be used with permission

kennstorck@gmail.com