Ga 15:09-17
matthias
ps4
Daily reflection _ abide in my love and you will bear fruit
ABIDE IN MY LOVE AND
YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT
YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT
If we open our hearts to this love and follow faithfully, then we will bear much fruit in our lives, fruit that lasts.
Today, the Church honors St. Matthias, the man chosen by God through the remaining eleven Apostles to replace Judas, who betrayed Christ.
All people are called by Jesus to bear fruit, and there are many ways to do so on this journey. But some fruit just takes a little longer than another to ripen. This should challenge us to think about our own vocation in life and ministry because we do this all for God.
The opening prayer for today's Mass says that St. Matthias was called by the Father "to share in the mission of the apostles." That mission was to give witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Peter said to the disciples -- about 120 were gathered together -- that one in their company should be named as witness with the Apostles to 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."
So, we are to understand that the call to be an Apostle is a privileged grace, a call by God our 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 and be a witness to Christ today.
Jesus tells us that He is our friend, and He loves us whole-heartedly and unconditionally. He wants us to love one another just as He loves us. 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 faithfully, then we will bear much fruit in our lives, fruit that lasts.In the responsorial psalm today, we acclaim: "The Lord will give him a seat with leaders of his people" (Ps 113). We are meant to be servants and are called by name. 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."