Remaining Fruitful! Are you producing fruit for the Kingdom? If not, you likely aren't attached to the source of spiritual nourishment. Often, after strong thunderstorms, we find downed branches. It doesn't take long for the leaves on those branches to fade from green to brown. The branch quickly dies once it is separated from the tree's nourishment. In this passage, Jesus uses this image of a vine and its branches to describe our life in him. In this seventh and final "I am" statement, Jesus declares, "I am the vine" and then says, we are the branches. In the other I am statements, Jesus tells us who he is, but in this final statement, he tells us who we are! Friends, like branches, depend on the tree or vine to produce fruit; we can only live productive Kingdom lives connected to Jesus. He alone provides our sustenance for the daily challenges of this life. We must remember that the branches produce leaves and fruit. Through the fruit-producing power of Jesus residing in us, we can bear the spiritual fruits of the spirit, "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, good­ness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). When we remain connected to the vine, we can produce Godly fruit to nourish and draw others to His love, mercy, and grace. Remain connected and stay fruitful! Onward and Upward+ Fr. Greg