A book of prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus

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Vinedresser!   

7/3/24  

The soul the makes acts of mortification of the senses and of vices, 

 is like a fruitful vine which has been pruned 

 by the vine dresser so that it stays closer to its roots,   

receiving the fullness of the sap and waters, 

 to grow in strength in it's stems and in its fruits,    

starting with those closest to it!   

It has depth and breadth in its closeness to the source, 

 and to draw those around it back to the source!  

The abundance of graces flow from the source 

 as an open channel and its fruits are multiplied 

 in both fervor and abundance! 

This then is the design and nature of mortifications, 

 where the fruitless desires are placed 

 in subservience to the soul, 

and we are strengthened and brought 

 ever closer in union with God!   

John 15:1-8 (DR)  

"I am the true vine; and my Father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me, that beareth not fruit,   

he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit,   

he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now you are clean by reason of the word, 

which I have spoken to you.

Abide in me, and I in you. 

 As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, 

unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, 

 unless you abide in me.

I am the vine: you the branches:   

he that abideth in me, and I in him, 

 the same beareth much fruit: 

 for without me you can do nothing.

If any one abide not in me, 

 he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither,   

and they shall gather him up,   

and cast him into the fire, and he burneth.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,   

you shall ask whatever you will,   

and it shall be done unto you.

In this is my Father glorified; 

 that you bring forth very much fruit,   

and become my disciples."