We will be singing “Vine and Branches” by Trevor Thomson this weekend at communion time as it reiterates the communion antiphon from John 15: 1, 5, I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia. Jesus describes himself as “The Vine”. Jesus describes us as “Branches”. I requested help from our adult choir and parish youth choir to exam the attributes that associate Jesus with the vine and attributes that associate all of us with branches by coming up with acronyms for “Vine” and “Branches”. This is what we came up with.
V- Vitality- Jesus is full of energy and productivity to provide a source of strength for His people. I- Integrity- Jesus teachings are honest and true maintaining the means for connectedness of the branches to the vine. N- Nurturing- Jesus is the source of tenderness and care. Vine supports the branches. E- Emmanuel: God is with us. A vine is always present to the branches.
B- Beloved- Branches remain true to the vine as we remain true to Jesus R- Reverent- Branches cling to the vine out of respect as we reverently adore Christ. A- Accepting- Branches are accepting of the vine and we are accepting of Christ’s love. N- urtured- Branches receive nutrients from the vine, just as we feed on Christ in the Eucharist. C- Cooperating and Collaborating- Branches know their function as we know our function of cooperating and collaborating with God for the salvation of the world is at stake. Each member, each branch, contributes to the whole or the vine. H- Humbled- We yield to Jesus as the branches yield to the vine. We recognize the importance of thinking less of ourselves, rather yielding to the God who loves us. E- Eager- Branches are receptive and we are receptive S- Sheepish- Branches are fondled by the vine, as music as we are fondled and cared for by Jesus, our shepherd.