From the Chaplain

Hello all,

I hope you had a wonderful Easter with family and friends and that you were able to celebrate the gift of new beginnings.

The gospel reading for this week is John 15:1-8. It is an illustration of vineyards – particularly apt for the Orange region.

Jesus calls God the vinegrower, himself the vine and his followers the branches. He speaks of how we are all pruned to bear quality fruit. The more fruitful we are, the more we can reflect the glory of God. This works provided we stay grafted to the vine.

These days, it is hard to talk about hard times disciplining us and making us more fruitful. It seems harsh. We prefer things to be easy and to avoid suffering. However, this analogy reminds us that pruning/suffering is part of life. 

I do not always understand this. Oftentimes suffering seems completely harmful and unnecessary! Yet we are taught to have faith and hope in all things. We are told to look to God – the vinegrower – and to remain in Jesus – the vine – to get through these times with grace.

May God sustain you during the challenges you face.

Love and prayers,

Rev Dr Rosalie Clarke