In this talk, David reflects on the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Jesus tells us that God the Father prunes the disciples who live as branches on the vine. He does this so that our discipleship is more effective. The pruning process can be painful, but most experiences of true growth are. The key is to let our loving Father be the one doing the pruning, not ourselves. St. Peter provides a model of a pruned branch for all Christians.  

"He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit." (John 15:2)  

Suggested Scripture: Psalm 51, John 21:1-19