Fruitfulness

It can be productive to reflect on why Jesus uses images of nature so often to talk about what God’s Kingdom is and should be. One of the things he’s saying, I think, is that the goal is not perfection, but fruitfulness. Perfection, aside from being impossible and leading to a negative self-image, can be very self-centered, especially when referencing personal spirituality. Fruitfulness, on the other hand, is outward facing and productive, benefitting others as well as oneself, just what one would expect from a well-tended vineyard.

And what are the fruits in our life produced by that vineyard? Faithfulness, justice, integrity, holiness, a greater unity among God’s people. The list could go on.

To keep in mind: God is the Master Gardener, and the goal is not perfection, but fruitfulness. In what ways are we being fruitful in how we live, and how might we be more fruitful?

What we are being called to hear is not beyond our reach. It is rather to live the life that God calls us to live–with generosity, with creativity, with care for all creation, grateful for all we have been given, enjoying the fruitfulness that comes from living together in the vineyard of the Lord. Happy Thanksgiving to all. May your life be fruitful and blessed.