AWAITING TRIAL

We are all awaiting trial. Jesus will judge us based on our faith expressed in action (see Mt 25:31ff). We will be judged according to our fruitfulness as His stewards (Mt 25:14ff). For instance, Jesus expects those who have been given five talents to produce five more (Mt 25:15). We are responsible to bear spiritual fruit — to lead many people to repentance, salvation, freedom, peace, and life in Christ. We must be fruitful in making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), beginning with our children, grandchildren, co-workers, friends, fellow parishioners, and neighbors. When we die and stand trial, the world should be a much better place for our having lived. Life should be more respected and protected; the poor should have been given justice and mercy; Christ's kingdom of justice, peace, and joy in the Spirit should be more established (Rm 14:17).

Many of us don't see an abundant, spiritual fruitfulness in our lives. This is normal to some degree, for the growth of God's kingdom is invisible at first (Mk 4:27). Even when we can see it, it is at first as small as a mustard seed (Mk 4:31). However, if we are attached to Jesus (Jn 15:5) and if we die to ourselves (Jn 12:24), we will bear abundant fruit and be judged accordingly. Love the Lord; bear fruit; go to trial; go to heaven.