This past weekend I was helping my hubby with the yard work. Weeding my overgrown herb garden was more work than I bargained for. Those weeds were so deeply rooted that many were difficult to pull out without breaking the stems. As I worked with my garden claw, I began to realize that many of them were connected in a vine-like manner. As I got one weed and its roots out, I realized that it was attached to another which was attached to another and another. The nasty weeds were actually all part of a “weed family” that supported each other in its growth. (Yes, I know many of you country people are shaking your heads right now!) The words of Jesus popped into my head from John 15:5…”I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without Me.”

Those weeds were not bearing desired fruit, so they had to go. Then as I dug out those roots, I began to think about our parish family and even the present state of our country. If we are linked together like those vining weeds, with our faith roots running deep, attached to the parent plant – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – how much stronger we are. We are called to
reach out to those who are alone, to those who are struggling with pandemic worries, to lift each other up in love, concern, and support. St. Paul the Apostle Parish has always been known for the warmth of its hospitality and generosity to those in need. So many of us are rooted in Jesus and connected with each other. Just think, though, if we spread our “vines” a little further beyond our “little garden” what a difference we could
make. I am confident that we are all praying for an end to this COVID 19 and damage its done, praying for peace and safety, praying for an end to racism, praying for our country to be whole again. This week, let us all examine our souls. Are we truly spreading the love and compassion of Christ by what we say without thinking, joke about without thinking, or people we avoid because they’re not like us. How can we make this a better country by spreading our “vines”? “Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will bear much fruit.”

Have A Blessed Week!