5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.
Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.
For apart from me you can do nothing.
The symbolism in these words introduces us to a protected, or enclosed expanse of land rather like a garden with a solid fence, or wall providing security. Biblical garden imagery is very much wrapped up with our salvation.
The Old Testament supplies us with the story of The Garden of Eden created by the Divine Mystery, where an harmonious life is the reality for all its inhabitants.
8 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.~ Genesis 2
Biblical metaphor provides us with poetic value enabling us to understand that Our Father is the source of our well being, and our life is in His tender loving care, when we choose to respond to His call to do all that He asks of us. Our loving Gardener takes care of his garden's fruits, trees, shrubs et al enabling them to bloom, and flourish into all that they have been designed to reveal.
Human life is granted freedom to make our own decisions, notwithstanding the daily counselling flowing through our thoughts, asking us to respond to The Gardener's requests enabling us to live our life to the fullest. Trusting in the Creator and living in the goodness of His garden is all that is needed to live a fulfilling life.
10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring
~ Isaiah 58
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