SHOW ME THE FRUIT - One Bread, One Body, 5/10/2009

The April issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Hope Is Focus of Youth Day
Economic Crisis Threatens Human Rights
In Defense of Life: F O C A
Prison to Praise: What Are You Giving Up for Lent?
Church Reaches Out To Suffering
Jesus Is The Answer To Suffering

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Sunday, May 10, 2009, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 9:26-31, 1 John 3:18-24, Psalm 22:26-32, John 15:1-8
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/051009.shtml

SHOW ME THE FRUIT

"They even refused to believe that he was a disciple." —Acts 9:26

Paul had been a notable sinner. By the grace of God, Paul became a new
convert to Christianity. Many in the Jerusalem community couldn't believe
Paul's conversion was sincere. "They even refused to believe that he was a
disciple" (Acts 9:26). Paul was notorious for persecuting the Church.
Understandably, the Christians didn't trust Paul. They may have thought he
was pretending to be a Christian so he could later arrest them (see Acts
26:10).

Scripture cautions against too readily taking new believers at their word.
When the new generation of Israelites promised to serve the Lord, Joshua
wanted extra assurance of their willingness to commit themselves to the
Lord (Jos 24:19ff). John the Baptizer didn't believe the Sadducees and
Pharisees as they came forward to be baptized. He challenged them to "give
some evidence that" they meant to reform (Mt 3:8). Similarly, Paul advises
the Church not to promote a new convert too quickly, "lest he become
conceited" (1 Tm 3:6).

Are you a new disciple of Jesus? If you face this situation of not being
readily accepted by the community, take Jesus' advice. Humble yourself
before God and concentrate on bearing fruit (Jn 15:16). Accept your cross
as a pruning from the Father, your loving Vinegrower, Who always does what
is best for you (Jn 15:1-2). Bear the fruit of "patient endurance,
kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity" (Gal 5:22-23) and
"good deeds" (Eph 2:10). "Give...evidence" of your belief in Jesus (Mt
3:8). Glorify God by bearing much fruit and being His faithful disciple
(Jn 15:8). "That should be the proof they need" (Mt 8:4).

Prayer: Father, prune me any way You choose. I am all Yours.

Promise: "I will fulfill my vows." —Ps 22:26

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who continues to disciple us into His Kingdom.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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