Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today’s Gospel accentuates Jesus’ self-giving act. The Gospel depicts Jesus’ selfless sacrifice conveyed through the imagery of a grain of wheat (kokkos tou sitou) falling to the ground in order to produce more grains. Jesus is referring to himself and to the selfless offering of himself so that others may have life in its fullness (Jn 10:10).
As Jesus’ disciples, we are challenged to die to ourselves in order to give life to others. There is always a strong tendency to preserve ourselves. However, we may further reflect on the imagery of seeds. If we try to put seeds in a container that they may be preserved instead of allowing them to be buried under the soil, these seeds will eventually decay and rot. Likewise, the more we try to preserve our own lives, the more we will decay spiritually.
Hence, for our life to be fruitful, we first need to die to ourselves. Can we make sacrifices for the good of others? How do we make our God-given life truly fruitful? Are we self-sacrificing or self-preserving?
First Reading • 2 Cor 9:6-10
Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;/ his righteousness endures forever.
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness
Gospel • John 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “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. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.