In 2021, did you bear abundant fruit for Jesus? (see Jn 15:5) How many did you lead to new birth and new life in Jesus? Jesus has called us to be fishers of men and women (Mk 1:17), to work in His harvest (Mt 9:37), to do anything we can to win over as many as possible to Himself (1 Cor 9:19).
Are you fruitful like Mary or barren like Hannah? If we have been barren and have not birthed many people into God's kingdom, we should first ask for the grace to weep over our barrenness (see 1 Sm 1:6-7). We should be concerned upset with ourselves if we don't lead people to Jesus and even more concerned upset if we don't even try to evangelize. After we cry tears of repentance, the Lord may call us to fast (see 1 Sm 1:7). As we grow hungry for food, we also grow hungry for all people to be saved.
After weeping and fasting, we're ready to pray. Our prayer will be answered, and through the Holy Spirit, we will birth others into new life in Christ. Those whom we lead to Christ will in turn be fruitful themselves and lead others to the Lord. More and more people will love Jesus with all their hearts. The Church will be renewed and our world will be transformed. This will be the best year ever. It all begins with our tears of repentance for not evangelizing.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I exist to evangelize. |
| PROMISE: | "This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!" –Mk 1:15 |
| PRAISE: | When Thomas was near suicide, he found his Savior. |
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