God calls us "oaks of justice, planted by the Lord to show His glory" (Is 61:3). However, if we sin and refuse to repent, "the Lord, the Lord of hosts, lops off the boughs with terrible violence; the tall of stature are felled, and the lofty ones brought low; the forest thickets are felled" (Is 10:33-34). Nevertheless, we can eventually accept the grace to repent, then we will "strike root like the Lebanon cedar, and put forth" our shoots (Hos 14:6). We will produce many leaves (Hos 14:8) and then blossom like the lily (Hos 14:6) and the vine (Hos 14:8). Our fragrance will be "like the Lebanon cedar" (Hos 14:7) and our splendor "like the olive tree" (Hos 14:7). Finally, we will bear much fruit "like a verdant cypress tree" (Hos 14:9). From being stumped by sin we can become fruitful by repentance.

If we sow the tears of repentance, we "shall reap rejoicing" (Ps 126:5). Jesus promised that, if we die to ourselves, we will produce much fruit (see Jn 12:24). If we die to sin, we will not reap the wages of sin, that is death (Rm 6:23). We will bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 20, 2016

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