Pruning

During the pandemic, we planted a grape cutting, and to our delight, it grew and became a big vine, but it had no fruits. So, what did we do? We hung plastic fruits and this amazed many of the visitors who dropped by, but not our “bird” visitors, who were angered when they found out that they were biting artificial fruits. Angry birds!

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In today’s Gospel (John 15:1-8), Jesus tells us: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing.” If we remain with the Lord, we will bear not only much fruit in life but real fruits as well. Not plastic!

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There are many people who live fruitful lives, laden with money, power, success, and other so-called worldly achievements, but without the Lord, all these are empty, vain, and shallow fruits that will not last, all for vain glory, and for show.

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There’s a sequel to our vine story: After a year, we pruned the grapevine. The cutting was painful, and the vine that was a beautiful décor became bare of leaves. But only for a while. Soon, leaves sprouted again. Not only that, fruits came out, not plastic fruits, but real fruits that gave so much joy to our hearts! What “fruits” have you produced, or are you producing in your life: plastic fruits that are just pleasing to the eyes, or real fruits that warm the heart?

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The Lord takes away every branch that does not bear fruit, but those that bear fruit, He prunes them so that they bear more fruits. The Lord’s pruning leads to more fruit-bearing. If you are going through any trial, problems, setback, delays, or drought, hold on to the Lord’s promise that He knows what He is doing and that it is all leading up to something good and worthwhile in the end.

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Remain in the Lord and hold on to His words. Focus on the Lord, not on the world that tells us to enjoy, get going, have fun, have it all. Even when we are being pruned, (especially when we are being pruned), let us not forget to pray, be good and of help to people, and have joyful hope through it all. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)

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When we are going through any kind of pruning, let us keep in mind one very important thing: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Pruning is just like having a haircut. You sit down and be still so that it gets done. This requires your trust that the barber knows what he is doing. And just like a good haircut, pruning takes time, so be patient, believe, trust, and surrender to God’s perfect plan and time. Pruning can also be likened to going to your dentist. There will be inconvenience and pain, but it will lead to cleansing, healing, and well-being, and in the end, it will lead to you, smiling again!

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Sharing with you my prayer when I was going through my cancer pruning: Lord, I am sick, please heal me; I am in pain, please comfort me; I am worried, please assure me; I am afraid, please stay with me; Lord, I offer you my suffering; You are with me in my pain; Be with me in this time of cleansing; this time of grace and tremendous blessing; Lord, I need You; Lord, I hold onto You; Lord, I embrace You; Jesus, I trust in You; Mama Mary, I love You. Amen.

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Inviting you to the “Walk with God to Manaoag” in Pangasinan this May 4 starting at 5 a.m. in Urdaneta Cathedral, ending with a 9 a.m. Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag.

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A moment with the Lord.Lord, remind us that pruning leads to healing and fruit-bearing. Amen.

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