The Lord Jesus Christ is the vine, a grape tree; Christians are branches and shoots. We cleave to Him through faith and bear fruit through a life according to faith.
The Heavenly Father is the husbandman who watches over this tree. Any branch which does not bring forth fruit—that is, whoever believes and does not live according to faith—the Lord cuts off. But He cleanses those which bring forth fruit—that is, those who not only believe, but are also zealous to live according to faith.
These the Lord helps in every way to become rich in good deeds, which are the fruits of faith. Let each person arrange his life according to this law of God’s action upon us, firmly remembering that without the Lord one can do nothing.
Run to Him with every need. May His most holy and sweetest name be ever impressed upon your mind, heart, and tongue.
By St. Theophan the Recluse
