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Saturday, October 24, 2015

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St. Anthony Mary Claret


Romans 8:1-11
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 13:1-9

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fruit inspection

"Look here! For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down." —Luke 13:7

Jesus clearly warns that we will suffer tragic ends unless we bear the fruit of holiness (see Gal 5:22) and evangelization (see Lk 13:3, 5, 7). Nevertheless, we cannot bear fruit by our own power. All we need is to live in Jesus as branches that are part of a vine and He will live in us (Jn 15:5). We can do nothing apart from Jesus (Jn 15:5), but in Jesus we will bear abundant (Jn 15:5), multiplying, and lasting (Jn 15:16) fruit "unto life eternal" (Jn 6:27).

Consequently, let us live our Baptisms by which Jesus entered into us and we into Him. Let us no longer live for ourselves but for Him Who for our "sakes died and was raised up" (2 Cor 5:15). Jesus is "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6). For all who are in Him, " 'life' means Christ" (Phil 1:21). Live in and for Jesus alone, and bear great fruit.

Prayer:  Father, I decide to live and die in Jesus.

Promise:  "The law of the spirit, the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has freed you from the law of sin and death." —Rm 8:2

Praise:  St. Anthony survived at least fifteen attempts made on his life, but he remained faithful to He Who is life.

Reference:  (To draw His strength in your life, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, order any or all of these audio or video tapes: Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1, V-82, How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or on video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or on video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79. We also have most of our audio teachings in a digital format. Check www.presentationministries.com for availability. You can either download any teaching listed under CD number on our website or order it in CD format.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 20, 2015

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