In 2007, did you bear abundant fruit for Jesus? (see Jn 15:5) How many did you lead to new birth and new life in Jesus? Jesus has called us to be fishers of men and women (Mk 1:17), to work in His harvest (Mt 9:37), to do anything we can to win over as many as possible to Jesus (1 Cor 9:19).

Are you fruitful like Mary or barren like Hannah? If we have been barren and have not birthed many people into God's kingdom, we should first ask for the grace to weep over our barrenness (see 1 Sm 1:6-7). We should be upset with ourselves if we don't lead people to Jesus and even more upset if we don't even try to evangelize. After we cry tears of repentance, the Lord may call us to fast (see 1 Sm 1:7). As we grow hungry for food, we also grow hungry for all people to be saved.

After weeping and fasting, we're ready to pray. Our prayer will be answered, and we will birth others into new life in Christ. Those whom we lead to Christ will in turn be fruitful themselves and lead others to the Lord. More and more people will love Jesus with all their hearts. The Church will be renewed and our world will be transformed. This will be the best year ever. It all begins with our tears of repentance for not evangelizing.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 30, 2007

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