The Paradox of the Grain of Wheat
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Jn 12:24-26
[Jesus said to his disciples,] 24“Amen,
amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and
dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much
fruit. 25Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Reflection:
If it dies, it produces much fruit.
What Jesus says is an analogy to his life. The wheat that falls to the
ground, dies, and bears much fruit best describes Jesus’ life on earth.
In giving up his life on the cross, Jesus brings us eternal life. In his
public ministry, Jesus was limited to preaching and performing
miracles. With his passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus reigns at the
right hand of the Father. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to continue his
work on earth. The Spirit sanctifies us and makes us understand more the
works and words of Jesus. And, in the Spirit, Jesus remains with us
until the end of the world.
From
experience we know that before a seed sprouts, it must undergo radical
change. Buried under the earth and immersed in dirt, it must accept
everything: the cold water, the heat of the sun, some fertilizer
perhaps. It will be dependent on the care and attention of its sower.
With these factors the seed will grow and bear fruit.
What happens to the seed is also true with our life.
Are you ready to be immersed and committed in your work?
Are you ready for self-emptying, suffering, and dying to self?
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