Jesus commands us to bear fruit, that is, to lead people to Him. If we don't go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), we will suffer a tragic end (Lk 13:3, 5), be cut down (Lk 13:9), and thrown into the eternal fire of hell (see Jn 15:6). Jesus insists on our bearing fruit not to be harsh with us, but because He wants all "to be saved and come to know the truth" (1 Tm 2:4). Because of His love for all people, Jesus must insist that those who know Him proclaim His crucified love to suffering humanity.
Despite the necessity and urgency of leading others to Christ, many Christians are still reluctant to obey the Lord. We need to do what Moses did when he met God in the burning bush. We must take off our shoes, that is, humble ourselves (Ex 3:5). A humble person will not disobey God. A humble person will not question God's callings, His timing, and the feasibility of His plans. A humble person will go and tell the good news. Possibly the greatest "evangelist" of our times was Mother Teresa. She was not exceptionally articulate or brilliant, but she was humble. Moreover, St. Francis of Assisi was one of the greatest evangelists in the history of the Church because he was humble.
Let's learn from Jesus, Who is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). When we humble ourselves (Mt 23:12), we will find that the humble are the fruitful.
| PRAYER: | Father, may the catechumens who had the "First Scrutiny" today inspire us to let You scrutinize and purify our hearts. |
| PROMISE: | "Let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he fall!" –1 Cor 10:12 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who humbly descended to the dead to preach the Good News (Catechism, 632; 1 Pt 3:18-19; Eph 4:9-10). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College