March 10, 2010, in Medjugorje
It has been very cold, windy and rainy in Medjugorje, but that did not stop villagers from getting out into their vineyards, to begin the process of preparing the vines for the production of their grapes. It won’t be until September or October when the grapes will be harvested to make their family wine. Our Lady calls us to God’s creation because we are able to see spiritual truths in the work of the soil, truths that will help us in our spiritual lives.
January 25, 2010

A villager working in the vineyard - Medjugorje - March 10, 2010
February 25, 2010

Burning the trimming waste - Medjugorje - March 10, 2010
There is much work in the fields that must be done to have a rich harvest in the future. The vineyards must be pruned, the dead branches gathered and carted away, and then burned. Each vine must then be tied to wires to manage its growth in the right direction. And then, fertilizing and constant pruning as the grapes grow. Today, it is tedious work in unpleasant weather, but the thought of the joy of the harvest that is now months away is what puts the desire and commitment in the heart to carry out the work. In this time of Lent, we can learn lessons from the vineyard—persevere in order to see the triumph.
March 2, 2010

A freshly pruned row to the right in sharp contrast to the untrimmed row on the left - Medjugorje - March 10, 2010