Day 14: The Vine, and the Cluster of Grapes
🍇 DAY 14 | THE VINE, AND THE CLUSTER OF GRAPES
“As the new wine is found in the cluster… Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.”
Isaiah 65:8
We have almost reached the end of the Shoonoyo Fast.
For fourteen days we have followed the images through which our Fathers saw the mystery of the Mother of God: earth, garden, ark, ship, bush, rock, tent, staff, tree, palace, chariot and gate. Today, the final figure before the feast brings us somewhere very familiar: to a vine, a cluster of grapes, and finally to the chalice.
The Syriac Fathers call Mary the Virgin Vine, from whom came the Cluster whose wine is the “Medicine of Life.” St Ephrem’s tradition sees in this image something profoundly Eucharistic. The Cluster is Christ. He takes His humanity from the Vine, is pressed for the life of the world, and the Wine of Life is given to us.
There is also something deeply comforting here. One ancient hymn imagines Adam and Eve, still grieving over what was lost in Eden, tasting this Wine and finding comfort in their grief.
Fourteen days ago, we began with Eve outside the garden. Today, the Fathers place a cup in her hands.
And tomorrow, the Church places the same mystery into ours.
Day 14: The Vine, and the Cluster of Grapes
🍇 Read the full reflection on Seeking Theosis:
