John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Galatians 5:22-23
Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law
The botanical truth is that grapevines live 50 to 70 years depending on their variety. At age 3, they begin to provide fruit, as the grapevines age, they diminish - not producing as much fruit.
Rita Lotti was born in 1381 in Roccaporena, Italy. In the Province of Umbria, Italy. Rita had an amazing and difficult life. Thwarted Christian desires, poverty, arranged marriage, violence, murder and sarcasm from her sisters after she was amazingly allowed to join a convent in middle age, without a dowry.
Perhaps a little art history would reveal how long ago, she was born. The Convent, Saint Mary Magdalene at Cascia - has art from the era at the door:
Due to her age, the convent did not want her. A miracle foisted Rita upon them. So Rita was given a dead stick to water and care for. And plant the stick she did – and watered it every day for a year. Then the “stick” put forth leaves and became the most beautiful and bountiful grape vine in the convent garden. Today, almost 600 years later, that same grape vine remains bountiful and beautiful. Every year some of these grapes are sent to the Pope and used, today, for communion in the area were Rita lived 629 years ago.
A 600 year old grapevine, planted by Rita is a live today. The only other grapevine in the world to even come close to this amazing miracle is 400 years old and located in Yarra, Slovenia. Perhaps it would be a good time to tell you, Rita's Roses are also still alive and bloom in the garden. Yes, you know it, this woman is a Saint. Saint Rita of Cascia. Link - to her live of devotion and the fruit still alive today. Rita's life is too amazing to believe, but the proof is still alive. If you still feel a little sceptically, you can google the photos from the vine in Yarra, Slovenia and you will know Rita's vine is the real deal.
Rita's Grapevine grows from under her window and covers the convent.
Psalm 80:1-3
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Psalm 80:14-15
14 Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted,
and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
Remember yesterday we looked at David's Holy Spirit inspired Psalm 119. David, Joseph (v. 1) and Rita had something in common. Not just the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, but their lives held the actions & power of God.
1. Believed God specifically created them to live within His plan.
2. Believed in the success of their godly desires/lives, with insurmountable circumstances against them.
3. Wanted to give God's love, to shepherd the people around them. Give love and care.
Father God, each day, we put our hands out to You. Give us Your love to do the plan for us. In the power, love and glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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