Lent Meditations
40 Days in the Vineyard
Day 22: As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; now, remain in my love
The hard-working vine draws up nutrients from soil and water, distributing the nutrient-rich water out to the branches that are connected to the vine. The fruit, the pride and joy of the gardener hangs on the branches. But the symbiotic relationship would not be complete without photosynthesis.
Day 23: If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love
In some ways the transformation of toxins to life-giving substances through the process of photosynthesis is a metaphor of what happens when we keep Jesus’ commands, when we obey his teachings. The toxins of our world are metabolized by and for love.
Day 24: Just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love
Since Jesus was fully and equally God, his will was always in alignment with the Father’s will. Since Jesus was fully human, he had to choose obedience. Jesus showed us what it looks like to be fully human in joyful submission to God, remaining in love as a result.
Day 26: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
The overarching vision for and love of good wine makes it easy for the vineyard workers to cut off fruit that is less than ideal. Even though there may be a smaller quantity of juice for wine, the quality of the juice will be much higher.
Day 27: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends
Just as the vine gives everything it has, without hesitation, to the branches to produce the fruit for harvest, Jesus lays down his life for those he loves. There is nothing more Jesus could give to show his love.
Day 34: This is my command: Love each other.
Ultimately, we are invited, called, even commanded to love one another as we have been loved. The long journey of fruitfulness shows us that love is an action, not a transaction. Love for each other is cultivated over time, nurtured by grace, in the unglamorous, tedious moments of life.