I once participated in a non-denominational class of people involved in ministry throughout the Chicagoland area. One of the topics was accompaniment. A passionate discussion ensued about ways to help those who may be journeying through dark times, those who are in distress or confronting grief in their lives. Many shared their “techniques” for helping people in difficulty to rise above their problems and move on with life.
As I sat and listened, I couldn’t help but think of my own life. I recognized that most of my strength of character and, most likely, most of my greatest lessons, were learned by going through difficult times. I finally spoke up and said: “I owe most of who I am to the difficult times. How dare we deprive those to whom we minister the opportunity to do the same? It is our role as companions to get down into the mud and the muck with them; to walk through the valley of darkness – more often than not in profound silence – until they are able to emerge on the other side. It is true that the only way out is through; it is our job to make that uncomfortable way as safe as possible.” I spoke my truth as I knew it to be.
I believe that is what Jesus is saying in John’s Gospel today: “He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” Pruning is a painful and uncomfortable process, yet it is necessary if the vine is to produce the greatest amount of fruit. Though it can sometimes be difficult to look beyond the present struggle, there is light at the end of the valley – it also helps to find a travelling companion who understands and doesn’t try to fix it.
Sister Danielle Jacob, CSFN
