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).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, August 9, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 18, 2000