I’ve known many people who’ve owned fruit-bearing trees: grapefruit, apple, lemon, and more. There’s an odd realization about fruit-bearing trees . . . or, at least, many of the ones I’ve been blessed to know. Namely, that you need to have an “exit strategy.” In other words, most trees I’ve known that bear fruit produce a lot of fruit, and if you don’t have a plan for it all, you’ll be awash in fruit, strewn on the lawn or rotting in the kitchen. In fact, the need for an exit strategy is how I got to know most of my friends with fruit: “Do you like grapefruit? We have a tree. Did you want some? How many? Four, five bags?”
Fruit is foremost on the mind as I reflected on today’s readings, especially the Gospel selection from John. We just had this same Gospel portion on Sunday, so I took it as a sign to really think about what it might be saying to me. And so, with how prominent fruit has been in Scripture this week, I’ve been spending time reflecting on the nature of fruit.
If you think about it, fruit is really useful and versatile. It’s biological function is obvious: That’s how plants and trees make baby plants and trees! And that’s a vital function. But the economy of the whole of God’s creation becomes obvious when we think of what else fruit means to us.
Most fruit can be eaten as is, off the branch or vine. It’s delicious and nutritious. One maxim I’ve seen (but can’t find an attribution for) says that fruit is nature’s way of tricking us into eating fiber. Ever since I heard that, I’ve never been able to think of fruit the same way.
Fruit can also be cooked and prepared in myriad ways, forming the basis of countless desserts. More savory fruits — olives, avocados, squash, green peppers, etc. — can form the basis of a complete meal. Fruits have numerous industrial and household uses as well: cleaning agents, aromatic elements, scrubbers, and more.
All of these ideas stemmed from reflecting on what the fruit in today’s Gospel was referring to. It’s obvious in reading that we’re expected to bear the fruit, but the nature of that fruit isn’t as clear-cut . . . especially since it’s obvious that the “fruit” is only possible through a life in Christ. And since Christ is the vine, the fruit is only possible through him.
So, from a certain point of view, the fruit of the life with Christ is . . . the fruit of the life with Christ. That is, it’s everything you have, do, and can be with Jesus in your life. Which is a lot.
So, thinking about fruit you’d pick off a tree or buy from a store, perhaps a better question is, what can’t you do with it? Because the limit seems to be only your imagination and your willingness to enjoy that experience. (I can come up with about a dozen different ways to enjoy apples alone, without thinking too hard about it.)
In considering the fruits of a life with Christ, it’s really the same way. Comfort when I’m sad, appreciation when I’m happy, motivation when I’m listless, wisdom when I’m clueless, affirmation when I’m in doubt. And that’s just what’s in store in this mortal realm; we know the best promises of Christ — the life of the world to come — can’t be realized until our meager human lifespan is at an end.
I suspect many of us have encountered someone with a particularly bountiful fruit tree, as those people try to find new homes for the abundant fruit they have acquired. A life with Jesus is similarly fruitful. If you haven’t recently, reflect on the wondrous ways that your life wouldn’t be the same without God’s love in your life. And — if able — share that love with others. Fruit is meant to be enjoyed, to promote life, and to be shared. But even the most bursting fruit tree pales in comparison to the spiritual blessings that God offers.
Today’s readings: Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-2,3-4AB,4CD-5; Jn 15 1-8
