John 15:16 seems to have been written for catechists and teachers: "And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last..." Go out and bear fruit we are told, and thus reminded to live out the mission we have in life. That mission for each of us, is to use whatever gifts and talents God has given us to make the world a better place. How do we discover the way in which God wants us to do this? By examining what we are good at, what others say we are talented in, in what we find joy and satisfaction. God has wisely given different talents to each of us. Our job is to not deny them in false humility, but to honor them and use them.

There is a woman blessed with patience who lives with pain every day reminding herself that she offers it in solidarity with others who have greater suffering.

There is a young girl who is good with young children who offers to babysit for relatives who are short of money.

There is a man who has the talent to cook who gives time to cook for the homeless.

Catechists and teachers live out their mission by using their own talents for others and, in so doing, are a powerful witness. As religious educators, we are blessed to be in a position to help others to name their own gifts and to inspire them to use those gifts. What an honor and challenge! How fortunate that we do not do it alone, but only with God’s help. Truly this is bearing fruit, fruit that will last.

Jean Marie Hiesberger