THE gospel reading for the Mass on the 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B, talks about Christ telling his disciples that he is the true vine and God is the vine grower. Every branch that does not bear fruit, he said, would be taken away by God, and the branch that does would be pruned for it to bear more fruit. (cfr. Jn 15,1-8)

It’s quite clear from these words of Christ that we really need to be fruitful and productive in our life, not so much in terms of material and temporal gains as in terms of the real fruit that we need to bear: our sanctification, our identification with God who created us in his image and likeness, and who is testing us in this life if what he wants us to be is also what we would like ourselves to be.

In short, it’s a matter of whether we choose to follow God’s will or simply our own will!
We need to realize that our life is first of all a “project” of God before it is our own. He is the one who started it and who wants it to go along the way of his plans and designs. Ours is simply to correspond to his will as best that we can. This is what is meant by being fruitful in our life.

We have to be wary when we fail to bear the fruit God is expecting from us, because according to Christ’s words, God will cut us off from the true vine, Christ himself who as the true vine, offers us “the way, the truth and the life” proper to us.

We actually have no excuse why we cannot follow God’s will. That’s because Christ, the God who became man, has offered us and continues to offer us everything we need to achieve our true purpose in life.

This realization should urge us to make Christ truly the center of our life. He should be everything to us. Any moment or any aspect of our life where Christ is set aside should be considered as an anomaly in our life.

But given our tendency to say enough to whatever effort we make to follow God’s will, we should not be surprised that we experience some kind of “pruning” that God does on us to make us more fruitful and to continue doing good.

This pruning can take many forms—more challenges and trials in our life, some problems and crises that we are made to experience, etc. All these are meant to make us a better person, polishing the rough edges in our personality so we can become more and more like Christ, humble and willing take on anything for the glory of God and for the good of mankind.

This pruning is meant to develop more virtues, more skills, or to grow more in them. We are quite notorious to saying enough to what we already have accomplished. But we have to realize that the pursuit for the fullness of our humanity will never have any limit. God will be the one to complete and perfect things. Ours is simply to continue going as far as we can, without stopping or saying enough.

We should not be surprised, much less complain, when we notice that God continues to prune us in different ways. It can only mean that we are being made to become more and more like him which is the real fruitfulness meant for us!

People wonder why we are lacking in rice supply despite sound statistical figures showing an increase in rice production. One factor being considered for this national malady is the depletion of arable lands that are now being converted to other uses. There are vast hectares of rice fields being converted to commercial, industrial and residential uses, not to mention recreational, the kind that are used for golf courses.

A different view looks at the growing population as cause for the inadequacy of rice. But is not every man given the capability to be productive even just to answer for his daily needs? No matter the population as long as it is made productive to produce its basic needs, hunger would not be a problem. It is when the greater number remains unproductive and dependent on a small sector of working and productive.

But how can we expect the population to become a productive workforce when it is confined in fixated social inequities that kills the motivation and vigor to produce goods, particularly through farming. We have seen the cruel inequities that our farmers are made as unwilling victims of. The man who toils to produce food is never given the opportunity to rise above the muddy soil.

They fall victims to unjust wages that could not even meet the basic needs of the family. These sector of the population who labor for the food that the entire population consume are luckless in getting government support, that is why they fall victims to usurious loans from capitalists who rake in the greater earnings.

The situation is truly discouraging and government is continually missing to address the problem. Its recent realization about the lack of farmlands for food production ought to have been discovered long ago. While it takes what it may deem as appropriate steps to increase farm areas, partly by halting the counterproductive conversion of agricultural lands to other uses.

But while we may increase land areas for farmlands in due time, we may run out of farmhands that will work to produce food that the population needs. We had long been engaged in labor exportation and our young working population being lured into high-paying foreign jobs in the fields of technology, construction, nursing and medicine.

The exodus of our skilled and industrious workforce will surely cause a lack of people who will till the soil. The low and unjust wages and the exploited situation that our farmers suffer from is a great push that drives our people away from the bondage of the soil. Even with adequate farmlands, we may not have enough farmhands to produce the food that we need in order to live.
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It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.- Proverbs 25:27

This proverb equates overindulgence in honey with delving too deeply into matters. It teaches us that even in enjoying something sweet, excess can lead to unfavorable consequences. It encourages self-control and moderation.

This could be an apt verse that can initiate timely reflection for Filipinos, politicians and laymen alike. I have seen a rather poignant sign attached to Toilet paper dispensers ,inside the toilet of one of Quezon City’s biggest Mall, it simply says take only what you need, lets save the trees! The small sign evoking a faint message for mindful consumption of that rather lowly paper is a vital caution against overuse.

As we go to one of Ormoc City’s not so famous yet very beautiful Heavens Peak we saw this sign take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints. The sign although attributed to American Indians is relevant as ever. We must not take the very thing that was the reason of our coming to that very place , its beauty, when we pick flowers and get plants, sooner than later the place will be diminished to a state where people will blame those that came before, the destroyers.

Mindful consumption begins with awareness. It involves being cognizant of the impact our choices have on the environment, society, and ourselves.

Instead of mindlessly accumulating possessions or consuming resources without thought, mindful consumption emphasizes intentionality. It prompts us to consider whether we truly need something before acquiring it.

Politicians can learn a thing or two, if we needlessly consume and exploit our resources, the public funds so coveted, we destroy roads before they are really destroyed and repair them again. The Public Servants who acts more of tyrants unmindful of their actions actually exhaust whatever goodwill the universe gives and after a certain period, this unmindful consumption creates problems that actually destroys their chances.

We came with nothing, we leave with nothing! Mindful consumption acknowledges that, it affirms our temporal nature and the limit of our resources. Take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints!

In an era marked by economic uncertainty and rapidly evolving job markets, the concept of a side hustle has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for many. A side hustle, often referred to as a passion project or a part-time gig, is an additional source of income pursued alongside a primary job or career. While the idea of juggling multiple responsibilities might seem daunting, the benefits of having a side hustle extend far beyond financial gain.

First and foremost, a side hustle offers individuals a chance to diversify their income streams. In today’s volatile economy, relying solely on a traditional nine-to-five job can be risky. Unexpected layoffs, company downsizing, or industry disruptions can leave individuals vulnerable to financial instability. By nurturing a side hustle, individuals create a safety net that provides a buffer against economic downturns. Whether it’s freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, or selling handmade crafts online, diversifying income sources can offer a sense of security and peace of mind.

Moreover, a side hustle provides an avenue for personal and professional growth. Unlike the confines of a corporate job, a side hustle allows individuals to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and unleash their creativity. Whether it’s turning a hobby into a profitable venture or learning a new skill, the process of building and nurturing a side hustle fosters self-discovery and personal development. Over time, individuals may uncover hidden talents, develop entrepreneurial skills, and gain valuable experience that can be leveraged in their primary career or future endeavors.

Furthermore, a side hustle offers flexibility and freedom that is often lacking in traditional employment. With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, individuals have greater control over when, where, and how they work. This flexibility is especially appealing to parents, students, and individuals with other commitments who need to balance work with family, education, or personal pursuits. Whether it’s working early mornings before heading to the office, or dedicating weekends to pursue passion projects, a side hustle empowers individuals to design their own schedule and prioritize what matters most to them.

Additionally, a side hustle can serve as a powerful catalyst for achieving financial goals and building long-term wealth. While the immediate income generated from a side hustle may be modest, the cumulative effect over time can be significant. Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a house, or investing for retirement, the additional income from a side hustle can accelerate progress towards financial milestones. Moreover, successful side hustles have the potential to evolve into full-fledged businesses, generating substantial income and creating wealth for their owners.

Hence, in a rapidly evolving job market characterized by automation and technological advancements, the ability to adapt and diversify one’s skills is paramount. A side hustle provides individuals with the opportunity to stay relevant and competitive in their field by continuously learning and acquiring new skills. Whether it’s mastering digital marketing techniques, honing coding skills, or staying abreast of industry trends, the pursuit of a side hustle keeps individuals agile and adaptable in an ever-changing landscape.

In conclusion, the importance of cultivating a side hustle in today’s world cannot be overstated. Beyond the additional income it provides, a side hustle offers a myriad of benefits including diversification of income streams, personal and professional growth, flexibility, financial empowerment, and adaptability. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, exploring new interests, or simply increasing financial security, a side hustle has the potential to transform lives and open doors to new opportunities. As the saying goes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Embrace the side hustle, and unlock the boundless possibilities it offers in the journey towards success and fulfillment.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!