Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, "I am he!" and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs. (Mark 13: 5-8)

The most serious threat to a vineyard is an infestation of phylloxera. This is a small aphid that eats away where the root and vine meet. The pest can gradually cut off all moisture and nutrients to the vine, branch, and fruit.

There are threats that would cut off my connection with the realm of God.

The vineyards most resistant to phylloxera feature sandy soil so that rainwater is quickly washed away. A dry climate also serves to minimize the threat. The less hospitable the surface – the more dependent on the depths – the healthier the vineyard.

There is much in this life that we should be happy to see drain away.

The example of Jesus encourages us to allow the rains of this realm – its worries and rewards – to wash over us quickly. Jesus enjoyed fine wine, fragrant oil, and the occasional feast, but he did not allow these superficial joys to distract him from deeper purposes and greater fulfillment. His time on the cross was surprisingly brief.

Times of spiritual drought are needed to produce the highest quality harvest.

Jesus went into the desert to confront his temptations. In a parched place he communed with Satan and through this experience dug deep into the realm of God. A life of superficial satisfactions and distractions will leave us without the deeper roots needed to survive - much less benefit from - profound drought.

Healing of dis-ease comes through reconnecting with our deepest origins.

A long-term solution to phylloxera is to graft the branch of an infected vine onto a healthy root of disease-resistant stock. The miracles of Jesus all depend on the diseased and detached "branch" being reunited with the realm of God.

Is my branch united with its intended root?

Above is a detail of demons and angels from The Fall of the Rebel Angels by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.