The Mystery of Life and Death in the Grain of Wheat

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  John 12:20-32*

*First Reading 1 Cor 9:19-27*

*Feast of St John De  Britto*

*The Mystery of Life and Death in the Grain of Wheat*

*1) Grain of Wheat*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the grain of wheat 

Usually all of us know what is the grain of Wheat. 

We also know how to sow the grain of wheat in order to produce more wheat. 

Jesus uses the grain of wheat, and the process of its growth to communicate a powerful message to His followers.

*2) The Process  of Growth*

In order to produce more fruit one has to sow the seeds in the field. 

The sown seeds to sprout and will grow as a plant, which ultimately produces the fruit. 

The process of growth is very mysterious to our knowledge. One needs a deeper wisdom to know the process of Growth. 

*3) The Concepts of life and Death*

While speaking about the grain of wheat, Jesus speaks about the life and death of the same wheat grain. 

Both the things are so intertwined, one can't separate from the another 

One causes the another one. So they are depending on each other 

Jesus says, in the process of producing the fruit, certain aspects of the grain of wheat die and new life emerges from the grain of wheat. 

*4) Aspects die in the Grain*

The external beauty of the grain of wheat 

The colour of the grain of wheat 

The size of the grain dies 

The protective aspect of the grain dies 

The comfortable zone of the grain dies 

So these are the aspects of the grain die when it ready to fall to the ground

*5) Things take new life in grain*

The lovely New shoot is seen when it sprouts 

The life of seed is seen in the total change from the seed. It is seen in the sapling

New life depends in the earth. 

The death of above aspects in the grain of wheat, causes new life in variety of ways. 

*6) Death and life is a continuous process*

Only when the process is continuous the growth takes place. 

For new life, certain old aspects have to die. 

In this way death and life happen on everyday basis 

The more we die for old things, more tge new things will emerge which will help to create a new self in oneself

*7) The death and life process in my life*

The newness of Life, depends  the death of old self

How far the logic of  *death and life* is practical in my life? 

Do I wish to die for old things in order to give rise tk the new things? 

Dying to the sinful nature of our life will give birth to a new nature in us, which will help us to grow in holiness and to produce much fruit. 

*How is the death of outdated things in my life and the birth of new things?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*