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.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") 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 the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.