A Simple Grain

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

I have been scouring seed catalogs and looking longingly at plants. Unfortunately, despite it being May 1st, here in New England we have to wait a bit longer. We have had very cold nights with frost. Those fragile seeds and grains, need enough sun and warmth to break open, to die, so new life is formed. There is a time for everything. Jesus is reminding his disciples about how it is time for them to plant and reap. Their ways and traditions barred them from including foreigners and non-believers from religious conversations. It was time to break down the walls and the barriers. We all have to be broken open, and change our ways in order to bear fruit, to bring light and love to the world. We cannot carry a hard protective shell and really live faithfully. 

Wondrous Creator, who breathes life into creation

you animate us with love and joys with our people

and ask us to stretch so other might know your love.

We don't like those who challenge our way of life

who, in their difference teach us ways to change

while we would rather stay inside our familiar shell.

Break open our hearts today, dear Lord, so we love

those who do not know our traditions and our ways

and blossom bearing the fruit of your divine love. Amen.