FRUIT STAND

“Be fertile, then, and multiply; abound on earth and subdue it.” –Genesis 9:7

Mass Readings: February 16
First: Isaiah 55:10-11; Resp: Psalm 34:4-7,16-19; Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

The first recorded words to human beings are the words of the following blessing from God: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gn 1:28; see also 1:22). After the flood, “God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them: ‘Be fertile and multiply and fill the earth’ ” (Gn 9:1, 7).

Jesus said:

• “I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly” (Jn 15:5).
• “My Father has been glorified in your bearing much fruit and becoming My disciples” (Jn 15:8).
• “It was not you who chose Me, it was I Who chose you to go forth and bear fruit. Your fruit must endure” (Jn 15:16).

God has made it abundantly clear that we His children must be like Him and bear fruit abundantly. Otherwise, we will be “picked up to be thrown in the fire and burnt” (Jn 15:6). Therefore, let us bear the fruit of evangelization and of holiness. Let us lead others to new birth (see Jn 3:3, 5) by manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

PRAYER: Father, prune me to bear more fruit (Jn 15:2).
PROMISE: “The nations shall revere Your Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory.” –Ps 102:16
PRAISE: By praying as a family, the Thompsons have all remained in the Faith for generations