This fourth week of Easter has been a week to remember relentlessly the process by which fruit grows on the branches. Fruit comes not from the branches’ plans or designs.  It is not in its own pruning or tending towards itself.  It is neither in the grit of its teeth nor the grunt of its considerable efforts.  The branches produce fruit because of the vine on which they grow.  For the branches to produce fruit, they must hold fast to the vine.

The world’s courage is mustered from inner strength.  It is measured by one’s comfort with risk.  Easter Courage has nothing to do with natural inclinations or personality traits.  Easter Courage cannot be produced merely by our thought or by our effort. Continue reading