Lessons from the Grain of Wheat

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :  Jn 12:24–26*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 9:6–10*

*Lessons from the Grain of Wheat*

*1) Humility* 

The Gospel speaks about the grain of wheat falling to the ground 

This gesture indicates the aspect of Humility. The grain of wheat teaches us the great lesson of humility

*2) Sacrifice*

The sacrifice of the grain of wheat is seen in its readiness to lose itself 

When the grain falls to the ground, it loses itself, its beauty, its outer layer and breaks itself for its mission 

This shows the level of the sacrifice of the grain of wheat, and the value of sacrifice 

*3) New Life*

The grain of wheat also is the symbol of new life 

It never forgets to bring new life, by losing itself in the mud

The purpose of losing its self is to bring about new life 

So new life is the symbol of the gain of Wheat 

*4) Need of rooting itself in the Mud*

This is also very important. Unless the grain of wheat sends its roots into the mud, it can't survive 

The stronger the root, better the strength and the fruit 

The need of rooting ourself in the life of Christ is very much necessary to produce much fruit 

*5) It works on Itself*

The grain of wheat works on itself to bring about the change and the new life 

Working on oneself is very much necessary to bring about a great change and the new life 

*6) St Lawrence and the Grain of wheat*

The Gospel has this reading of grain if wheat in the context of celebrating the feast of St Lawrence 

In fact the values and the life of the grain of wheat is very much reflected in the life of St Lawrence

The Humility, the Sacrifice, the New life and His deep roots in the Christian spirituality made him to sacrifice His life for Jesus and to become a great martyr for Jesus

*7) What about my Life?*

Does it symbolizes the grain of wheat? 

Am I ready to humble myself like the grain of wheat? 

Am I ready to lose myself like that of grain of wheat for the mission of Jesus? 

Am I ready to work on myself to bring about a new life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*