FRUIT INSPECTION

“Look here! For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down.” –Luke 13:7

Jesus clearly warns that we will suffer tragic ends unless we bear the fruit of holiness (see Gal 5:22) and evangelization (see Lk 13:3, 5, 7). Nevertheless, we cannot bear fruit by our own power. All we need is to live in Jesus as branches that are part of a vine and He will live in us (Jn 15:5). We can do nothing apart from Jesus (Jn 15:5), but in Jesus we will bear abundant (Jn 15:5), multiplying, and lasting (Jn 15:16) fruit “unto life eternal” (Jn 6:27).

Consequently, let us live our Baptisms by which Jesus entered into us and we into Him. Let us no longer live for ourselves but for Him Who for our “sakes died and was raised up” (2 Cor 5:15). Jesus is “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). For all who are in Him, ” ‘life’ means Christ” (Phil 1:21). Live in and for Jesus alone, and bear great fruit.

PRAYER: Father, I decide to live and die in Jesus.

PROMISE: “The law of the spirit, the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has freed you from the law of sin and death.” –Rm 8:2

PRAISE: St. Anthony survived at least fifteen attempts made on his life, but he remained faithful to He Who is life.