What is Life of Mission, Purpose, and ‘Bearing Fruit’?
"Bearing fruit" refers to the spiritual growth and transformation that occurs in a person's life as a result of their relationship with God and their adherence to the teachings of Christ. The fruits of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are signs of the Holy Spirit's presence in a person's life and reflect the transformative work of God's grace. It is the visible evidence of the interior life and the manifestation of God's grace working within a person. The result being a life of mission and service as a response to God's love and as a way to fulfill the commandments of Christ.
The work of transformation is a journey and requires, discipline, diligence and our active participation.
Bearing fruit in the Catholic faith is a lifelong journey of growing in holiness, conforming to the image of Christ, and allowing God's grace to transform one's life. It is the natural outcome of a vibrant relationship with God and a response to His abundant love and mercy. It is an outcome of building an Interior Life as we have discussed here
What does bearing fruit involve?:
Holiness and Virtue: Bearing fruit involves growing in holiness and cultivating virtues. It is a process of conforming one's life to the example of Christ and striving to live out the teachings of the Church. Virtues such as humility, charity, integrity, and compassion are fruits that demonstrate a person's spiritual growth.
Service and Charity: Bearing fruit includes actively serving others and demonstrating love and compassion. It involves reaching out to those in need, caring for the marginalized, and participating in acts of charity and justice. By selflessly giving of oneself, a person bears fruit that reflects God's love to the world.
Evangelization: Bearing fruit also involves sharing the Gospel message and inviting others to encounter Christ. It is about being a witness to the faith through words, actions, and the example of a transformed life. By spreading the Good News, a person contributes to the growth of the Kingdom of God and helps others come to know and love God.
Discipleship and Mission: Bearing fruit entails living as a committed disciple of Christ and embracing the mission entrusted to every baptized Christian. It involves actively participating in the life of the Church, evangelizing, teaching, and being a source of hope and encouragement to others.
Interior Transformation: Bearing fruit is not only about outward actions but also about the interior transformation of the heart. It involves allowing God's grace to work within, purifying and sanctifying one's intentions, thoughts, and desires. Through prayer, sacraments, and a life of virtue, a person's interior life is nourished and bears fruit that is pleasing to God.
Abiding in Christ: Bearing fruit requires a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. Jesus teaches in John 15:4-5, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me... Apart from me, you can do nothing." By remaining connected to Christ through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, a person is empowered to bear fruit that endures.
Bearing fruit leads to living a life of mission and service - The Blessed Mother is our true model of living out that mission.
What does living a life of mission and service mean:
Understanding the Great Commission: We are called to embrace the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where He commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This commission extends to all believers, urging them to share the Gospel message and invite others to encounter Christ.
Embracing the Missionary Identity: Baptism initiates every Catholic into a missionary identity. Each person is called to actively live and share the faith, not only within the Church community but also in the world. This involves both proclaiming the Gospel and being a living witness to Christ's teachings.
Works of Mercy and Social Justice: We are called to serve others, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. This includes performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and comforting the sorrowful. It also involves advocating for social justice, addressing systemic issues of poverty, inequality, and injustice.
Participating in the Sacraments: The sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, nourish and strengthen us for their mission and service. Regular participation in the sacraments helps deepen one's relationship with Christ and empowers individuals to live out their mission more effectively.
Engaging in Parish Life: Active participation in parish life provides opportunities for service and mission. One can serve in apostolates, such as teaching catechesis, visiting the elderly, or assisting in liturgical celebrations. Parish communities often organize outreach programs and initiatives that allow individuals to serve those in need.
Missionary Work and Evangelization: In accordance with one’s gifts, calling and talents, one can engage in various forms of missionary work and evangelization, both locally and globally. This can include supporting missionary efforts financially, participating in mission trips, sharing the faith with friends and family, and using modern means of communication to spread the Gospel.
Living a Witness of Faith: A life of mission and service begins with living as a witness of the Gospel in daily life. We are are called to exemplify Christ's teachings through acts of love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. By living out the virtues and teachings of the Church, individuals become a visible sign of God's love and mercy in the world.
Praying for Others: Prayer is an essential aspect of a life of mission and service. We have a duty and are called to intercede for others, including those who have not yet encountered Christ. Praying for the needs of the Church, the world, and individuals is a powerful way to participate in the mission of bringing God's love and healing to others.
Living a life of mission and service recognizes the dignity of every person, following the example of Christ's selfless love, and responding to the needs of others with compassion and generosity. It is a lifelong commitment to imitate Christ's mission of reconciling humanity to God and bringing about the Kingdom of God on earth.
Our transformation is process with our effort required.
