Resilience not teeth clenched, and Resemblance not possessive
(Jn 15:9-11)
Jesus has just used the image of the «vineyard» to configure the “character” of his new people and the ‘circulation of life’ that unites them.
«Life» of particular intensity and temperament.
The allegory of the Vine and the branches is now translated into existential terms.
The propagation of divine dynamism in us initiates a particular and accentuated ‘current of love’.
The fate of the «withered» branch [deprived of the Spirit's lymph] and cut off, is the sense of futility and distress (v.6).
But - to the Vine - even cutting, cleansing and purifying (v.2) do not prevent it from producing abundant and juicy clusters.
A new song, finally free of dissociation.
In fact, the discomfort brings to the bower an even more pronounced flow, an itinerary of character, and a dilation.
The farmer is the Father (v.1) who cuts and prunes in order to the greater vitality of the field.
Here we linger, surrendering our “predictions” to Grace - in the paradoxical protection of personal concentration.
Let us leave it to Him to bring down the infecund disguises.
In doing so, it will be the wise Farmer who will extinguish the dispersive patterns and turn on our ‘voice’ - the one that belongs to us.
The energy of the metamorphosis that will expand from critical situations will make us «be» instead of “look like” [outside].
From within, the ‘gaze in state of search’ will be shifted and made essential, making room for the virtue of one’s own ‘roots’.
Gradually, the play that required sterile forcing will be skilfully dismantled - so that we do not close ourselves off in preconceptions.
Apparent strength will have to give way to real strength.
Along the Journey, everyone will accept another self-image; without detaching themselves from living together.
Holding hard will leave room for flexibility, for vocational melody.
Thus, making space for the authentic way of being.
By learning to perceive well and rely on all that providentially peeks out, elastic responses will spring forth.
Personal Gaiety will pour into the soul - not the fatuous one of euphoria or exaltation, transient of many leaves.
Because, by not having to hide other preferences, a different identifying character, or our own frailties, we will become stronger.
Without having to control the situation all the time.
The intimate Merriment that will activate us will be the fruit of a new awareness, which finally contributes to the ‘catholic’ conviviality of differences.
Consciousness that combines the divine proposal of non-possessive Similarity with our ability to welcome ourselves - and not fighting unnaturally.
Even in vulnerabilities. Despite the different tastes around.
An ‘ad personam’ vital wave that becomes uncommon resilience, and different Happiness.
As we remain in the Father-Son circulation of love, we will be enveloped by an intoxication that intuits the meaning and uniqueness of our Seed.
This changes the way we see life, relationships, suffering, and Joy.
Laying down the efforts and brooding, encountering the enigmas and unknown sides, here is the Wisdom that dwells within us.
[Thursday 5th wk. in Easter, May 22, 2025]
