"Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you…." (Prayer at Mass)
We bring our gifts of bread and wine, representing our toils and all that we desire to offer to God. God accepts them and makes them holy.
"You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name." (John 15: 16)
Christ chose me. He commissions me to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.
When I start bearing spiritual fruit in the Vineyard, whatever I ask the Father in the name of Jesus, I shall have.
Principles of fruit-bearing in the Kingdom:
When you have done these, have faith that the seed is growing and will yield fruit in due season.
Process of fruit-bearing in the Kingdom:
"You are my friends, if you do what I command you." (John 15: 14)
I want to be a friend and companion of Jesus. But there are conditions for this friendship and companionship. They are:
"keep my commands"
Lord Jesus, I cherish your friendship and want to keep your commandments. Help me to do so, Jesus.
"And so we have decided unanimously to elect delegates and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have committed their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 15: 25)
Paul and Barnabas committed their lives to Jesus. Lord Jesus, help me to commit my life to you as Paul and Barnabas did.
"Lord, by this Easter mysteries, prepare us for eternal life. May our celebration of Christ's death and resurrection guide us to salvation….." (Mass Prayer)
The Eucharist is the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection. Nothing prepares us better for eternal life than the Eucharist.
O Mother of the Son, obtain for me the favor of witnessing to the power of the Eucharist.