I have aspirations of being a gardener. I have grown to love growing things, plants, trees, flowers, etc. I love being outside. This year, more than other years, I have tried to plant a bunch of trees. When we moved in eight years ago, there were some mature (dying) trees and a lot of lawn. I tried my best to keep them going, but… I’ll admit I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time. When I open Google Chrome on my cell phone, it now knows to give me articles on “how to prune a crepe myrtle,” in addition to articles on solar panels, nano-technology, medicine, and hard rock. 

In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus uses an image that every gardener can relate to. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower… Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit… I am the vine and y’all are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit” (John 15:1-6). He gives us a metaphor with a lot of rich meaning. Dead branches are removed; fruitful branches are pruned; and without a connection to the Vine (Jesus) the branch can’t bear fruit. There’s a lot to digest there, but the one that has been on my mind lately is the idea of “connection.” 

Over a year ago, I started following a social psychologist named Jonathan Haidt. He’s researched and written about the teen mental health crisis of the last several years. We’ve had our own experience with that in my family. One of his big conclusions is that cell phone use among adolescents has led to “disconnection” with all kinds of deeper, life-giving realities (he includes “God” in that, even though he’s an atheist). Other researchers have noticed a similar “disconnection” trend among adults—sometimes called the “bowling alone” phenomena (Robert Putnam). Simply put, Jesus is saying that full, fruitful lives happen when we are connected to him—and through him to others. 

What does that look like in your life? How can we foster connection here with each other? “Abide in me,” Jesus says. There is some vulnerability in trust, and faith, and being open to God. Just as there is in connecting with others. …But the fruit is plentiful!   -   Peace, Pr. Christian