The Fruit of Prayer: Spiritual Counsels of the Holy Fathers

Jesus tells us that the seed is the Word of God, planted in every human heart. If each person is made in the image of God, why is there such a difference in the quantity of fruit produced? The parable tells us that the only difference is the condition of the soil, its receptivity to the seed. Rich soil requires hard work and constant struggle. God provides the seed and we must provide the desire and effort. The Holy Fathers provide us with the wisdom as to what is required to have a prayer life which produces fruit-a genuine encounter with Jesus and a close relationship with him. This is the work required for our salvation. What fruit are we producing? What is the condition of our heart? How is the soil? Let us explore what is required for a rich spiritual harvest. Let us accept the invitation of Jesus: "Go out and work in the vineyard today" (cf. Matt. 21:28). Let us reflect upon the Art of Spiritual Life, "the art of arts and science of sciences."