Day 9: So that it will be even more fruitful
Turning to look at the branch he just tucked up onto the trellis, Jesus touches the tiny green berries that are now visible because the leaves have been pulled away. His eyes scan the trellis for other berries. Thoughtfully, he says,
“So that it will be even more fruitful,”
his voice trailing off. Perhaps his mind, in an instant, captures the whole history of the earth and the children of Israel. The mandate to be fruitful in the beginning (Gen 1:28), the fruit that was intended to bless the nations but was hoarded (Hosea 10:1), and the fruit that is in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8). In his being, that has existed since before time, Jesus longs for abundance, for more fruit that will embody the extravagant generosity of the Father. He sighs as he looks down. “Even more fruit,” he murmurs to himself. “Yes. In time. Even more fruit.”
Vineyard Metaphor
Every act of trellising and canopy management that is done in a vineyard is done for one purpose: fruit.
Canopy management is all about making sure the leafy part of the vine is healthy and well-positioned to bring air and sunlight in the right amount to the fruit. Too many leaves can give too much shade, thus depriving the fruit of the sun needed to ripen, and too few leaves may expose the fruit to harsh temperatures that may hurt the fruit. Depending on the varietal and the climate, some vineyard managers may choose to remove leaves from the branches in such a way that the fruit receives the morning sun while positioning more of a canopy on the western side of the vine to protect the fruit from the hotter afternoon sun.
The branches are the delivery system for the life-giving sap of the vine to the fruit. and the leaves are the factories of photosynthesis that create the sap. Considering that, one might wonder why take any leaves off? If there are more leaves, there would be more sap, and better fruit, right? The wise gardener knows that too many leaves end up shading each other and not being as efficient in the work of capturing the sun’s energy. Crowded leaves also prevent airflow which limit the intake of oxygen and may cause disease. When the leaves and branches are properly cared for, there is more fruit, better fruit.
Reflection and Meditation
Do you ever find yourself looking for abundance in your life and coming up empty?
We often desire more fruitfulness but aren’t sure how to achieve it. What if, instead of focusing on the fruit, we turned our attention to the “canopy” and the trellis? Take a minute to consider the support systems and the delivery systems in your life that could enhance or inhibit abundance.
Now imagine yourself as a plant in the vineyard, lifting your arms to the sunshine and waving your bright green leaves in the warm breeze. Imagine the Gardener coming along and gently bending your green shoots, tucking them up under the sharp trellis wire, and, finally, pinching off several of your biggest leaves.
What is the Gardener looking for in your life? What sort of things do you imagine could 'shade' your fruit and get in the way of good production?
“The point of a trellis isn’t to make the vines stand up straight in neat rows, but rather to attain a rich, deep glass of wine. It’s to create space for the vine to grow and bear fruit.”