In the Gospel today, Jesus repeats his commandment to his apostles; to us, to me. He insists on what binds us all together: “as I have loved you.” And how has he loved us? He laid down his life for us, his friends.
This commandment is given to us as one friend gives to another. Next, he introduces us to the intimacy of his Father, who is love. And then the result: “I chose you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”
In this intimacy, with this promise, should I doubt about the efficacy of my prayer? How could I doubt that my prayer will not be heard? How could I not pray with confidence for all others who are united with me on the same vine, especially those I love with an imperfect love in this life but will love perfectly in the life to come, when there will be no need to wear any kind of a mask?
Finally, today is the feast of St. Isidore, the patron of farmers and vine cultivators. What a confidence!
So, I’ll end up my prayer time asking the Lord to bless all our farmers and vine growers, giving them a generous harvest for the benefit and pleasure of all, especially those who hunger for food for the body and those who lack love for the soul.