John 15:1–8

Verse 2. He here shews, that the virtuous themselves stand in need of the help of the husbandman; therefore the Almighty sends them tribulations, and temptations, that they may be cleansed, and rendered firm, like the vine, which, the more it is pruned, the more vigorous are its shoots. Saint John Chrysostom hom. lxxv in Joan.

Verse 3. See supra 13:10.

Verse 7. On account of our being in this world, we sometimes ask for that, which is not expedient for us. But these things will not be granted us, if we remain in Christ, who never grants us any thing, unless it be profitable to us. Saint Augustine tract. 81. in Joan.—If we abide in Christ, by a lively faith, and his words abide in us by a lively, ardent charity, which can make us produce the fruits of good works, all that we ask, will be granted us. V.—These conditional expressions, if you remain in the vine, if you keep my commandments, and so forth give us to understand, that our perseverance and salvation are upon conditions, to be fulfilled by us.—Saint Augustine de cor. & gra. chapter 13.

Verse 8. It is the glory of the husbandman, to see his vine well cultivated, and laden with fruit. And it is the glory of God, my Father, to see you filled with faith, charity, and good works, and to behold you usefully employed, in the conversion of others. Then will men, seeing your good works, and the fruit of your preaching, among all nations, glorify your heavenly Father, as the author of all these blessings. S. Matthew 5:16. Calmet.