The Vine & the Trellis

Icon of the Root of Jesse - 16^th c. Michael Damaskinos

This past Sunday the prescribed Gospel reading was the Parable of the Sower.  In it the sower (God) scatters the seeds of His grace liberally onto the ground of our hearts and it is the condition of our heart which determines whether the resulting plant will grow, sputter, or die.  The underlying question is “What are you doing to prepare healthy soil for the reception of God’s grace?”  It is a synergy, not a one-sided affair.  Love is reciprocal and requires cooperation, does it not?

As I think about my recent posting of “The McCarty Trinity” another metaphor comes to mind that dovetails with the one found in holy scripture.  I mentioned that Kevin’s journey into the Orthodox Church “grounded him and provided a structure for him to grow in and through.”  This morning I added the words “like a trellis” because that is the image that comes to mind.

I like this metaphor.  In my mind the seed has found the good (or at least adequate) soil but it is the structure of the church as a trellis that allows the vine to find purchase and grow upwards towards the sun instead of spreading out over the ground to be trampled in the dirt of one’s ego.  In this elevated and supported position it flowers and fruits optimally to the benefit of everyone.

The church-as-trellis provides the tools and opportunities to grow to include things like corporate prayer (liturgy), almsgiving, confession, and the Eucharist, among other things.  And as I write this I’m reminded that Jesus talked about the “vinedresser.”  A quick Google search brings me this:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit... I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”   John 15:1-2 and 5

So the metaphor is complete and cross-referenced.  Grow, be healthy, extend your branches with the help of the church to capture the sun, give shade to those who suffer, food for their sustenance, and even provide kindling from God’s prunings b/c nothing is wasted... and on it goes.