This coming Sunday is the 6th Sunday of Easter in Lectionary Cycle B. This gospel continues the pericope begun last week (John 15:1-8) that begins “I am the true vine…” The gospel is part of the larger “Farewell Discourse” that occurs during the evening when Jesus gathered with his apostles for the “Last Supper” before his passion and death. Some point from last week’s notes are:

• When Jesus speaks of himself as the vine, then, his words are not only self-revelatory, but are revelatory of the interrelationship of God, Jesus, and the community in the life of faith as well. All three elements—gardener, vine, and branches—are essential to the production of fruit.
• The disciples are cautioned to always remain in Jesus (v.4) where the vine grower can prune (purify, cleanse) so that the branch may bear more fruit.
• The “tools of the trade” for cutting and pruning are “the words that I spoke to you” (v.3)
• The emphasis is on the bearing of fruit. That is the only reason for growing a vine; as Ezekiel pointed out long before, a vine does not yield timber (Ezek. 15). In a vineyard fruitfulness is not simply desirable; it is imperative; that is the whole point of the vineyard; it is what the vineyard is for. Pruning is resorted to [in order to] ensure that this takes place. Left to itself a vine will produce a good deal of unproductive growth.
• Those who remain in Christ and have Christ remaining in them keep on bearing fruit in quantity. Verse 5 concludes with an emphatic declaration of human helplessness apart from Christ. In isolation from him no spiritual achievement is possible.
• In the v.8 Jesus makes it clear that “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”  Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – For the greater glory of God

There are many commentators who do not divide the reading (John 15:1-7) in the way the Lectionary does for the 5th and 6th Sundays of Easter.  Gail O’Day sees a strong linguistic connections that should stay together and proposes these verses always be kept together

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 

It is the linguistic continuity provided by the words “remain” (meno), “bear much fruit” (karpos polys) both leading to “love” (agapē). All of this points to a connection between the branch and the vines, between believers and Jesus, Jesus’ word, and Jesus’ love.

On a final language note, throughout these verses, the “you” is plural –always referring to the community of believers.

Image credit: Duccio di Buoninsegna – Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee | ca. 1310 | Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo, Siena | Public Domain