I am the Vine, you are the Branches. Live in me as I live in you.

       Each year as we are presented with Jesus’ Word, identifying himself as the Vine, and our being united to Him as branches of the vine, I am reminded of a hoya plant that has been around our monastery well before I entered 60 years ago.

      Sr. Thomas Noll was the gardener extraordinaire in our community. She had started and tended the large hoya plant that lived in the bay-window of the prayer room at the Guest House forever, it seemed to me. Its dark green, waxy leaves were always green and strong. I never saw a dead leaf on it. The vines grew long, down to the floor and up again, round and round, on and on. It bloomed infrequently with the most beautiful pink beaded fragrant flower that oozes a honey like juice that the ants loved.  Sister would break off pieces for Sisters who were interested in starting one.

       I asked for a piece when I was asked to go to Harlan County as Pastoral Director at Holy Trinity Church in 1987. The start got roots, got planted and grew to be a big healthy plant that lived in the front room window of the prayer room of the Parish House for the years I was there, and I offered starts to others. I even took it to Church one Sunday in the Easter Season when this Gospel was read, as a prop for a reflection I was asked to give. I have continued to have a plant or two from that original plant with me wherever I have lived, and continue offering starts to others. Many of my friends and family now have one as well. Jesus the Vine lives on and on through us, the branches, giving life and joy to all.

       Last week when I was at the St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE, for a conference, I was fascinated with the collection of art work displayed throughout that wonderful conference/retreat center.The Missionary Benedictine Monks who built this center come from a German foundation, and have been all over the world.  One of the works that caught my attention, especially since we were preparing for this Gospel on Sunday, was this large Makonde Easter Candle Stand.  It was carved from mahogany by an artist of the Wamakonde Tribe of East Africa. Jesus is the Vine with all the other figures on this Tree of Life organically connected to Him. As I passed that statue on my way to chapel each time, I found it had become my special “Word” for Lectio during that week

           I am called to praise God for the gift of Life in Christ and to continue to remain in Him with all the others. Alleluia!

         Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB