ABIDE IN MY LOVE
AND YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT
AND YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT
If we open our hearts to this love and follow it faithfully, then we
will bear much fruit in our lives - fruit that will last.
The Church honors
St. Matthias, today. He was chosen by the remaining eleven Apostles to replace
Judas following the latter's betrayal of Jesus Christ. All people are called by
Jesus to bear fruit and there are many ways we can do this throughout our journey.
There is some fruit, however, that take a little longer than others to ripen.
This should challenge us to think about our own vocation in life and ministry,
for we do this all for God.
The Collect for
today's Mass says that St. Matthias was called by the Father to have "a
place in the college of Apostles." His mission was to give witness to
the resurrection of Jesus. Peter spoke to
the disciples - about 120 were gathered together - and declared that there was
one in their company who should be named as a witness, with the Apostles, of
Jesus' resurrection. St. John Chrysostom said, "They did not think
themselves worthy to make the choice of their own accord, and therefore they
wanted some sign for their instruction."
We are to
understand that the call to be an Apostle is a privileged grace, a call by our
heavenly Father, and an act of God. Our call to the Christian life is also
specific and personal. At our own baptism we are called by name, and we are to
continue the mission of the Apostles by bearing witness to Christ, today. Jesus
tells us that He is our Friend, Who loves us whole-heartedly and
unconditionally. He wants us to love one another in the same way. His love
fills our hearts, transforms our minds, and frees us to give ourselves in loving
service to others. If we open our hearts to this love and follow it faithfully,
then we will bear much fruit in our lives - fruit that will last.
In the Responsorial
Psalm we acclaim, "The Lord will
give him a seat with leaders of his people" (Ps 113:8). We are called
by name to be Christ's servants (cf. Ps 113:1).
Our faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives meaning and
significance to our lives. Yes! We have been chosen to "go forth and bear fruit!"