Some Will Be Weeds
What does it mean to give or ourselves totally without expecting anything in return?
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. - John 12:24
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus lets the disciples know what he is facing.
It is clear to us that he is talking about his own death and resurrection, but the message is not just about him. It is about us as well.
In this reminder of the reason we plant seeds, to have them grow into fruitful plants, we are given a glimpse into the very purpose of our own planted existence here on earth.
It makes sense that we have a purpose, doesn't it?
We have a mission and God has faith is us to do our best to fulfill that mission, to be fruitful, to return more to the world than we take in.
But there is something in our human nature that I believe keeps us from going all out and doing our best in this mission of ours. We are competitive social creatures. We look at what others are doing, what others are getting, and we want to be like them.
We think we are mission out on something when we see others take without giving, or when they sit idle and complain that the world hasn't been fair to them.
Planting seeds with the intent to grow a fruitful garden is not a one-time activity. It is a commitment. We need to follow up, to water, to feed, to nurture and protect our young plants from the elements, animals and the sun's harsh rays.
The same is true for God. He is there, helping us to beat the heat, protecting us from harm, giving us nourishment so we can blossom.
So, this is not a solitary mission we are on, but it does take time and energy. We have to get strong so we can hold up our fruits to the world, and we can use our talents to build up others. That is what fruitful nourishment does.
If we are true to our mission, and we hold onto the faith and hope that God has provided, we will be truly sustainable. We will produce more than we take, and all will benefit from the time we spend here in this garden.
But, not all will want to be fruit-bearing plants. Some will be weeds.
More to come...