Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12, Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11,
Luke 13:1-9
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/030710.shtml
FRUITFUL HUMILITY
"Perhaps it will bear fruit. If not, it shall be cut down." —Luke 13:9
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).
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Pride and Faith" on audio AV
64-1 or video V-64.)
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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
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009
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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