Are You a Good Seed?

I keep thinking of that little seed in the Gospel this Sunday. “Unless the seed falls to the ground . . . and dies. It remains just a grain of wheat.” Jesus is telling us the seed only has value for “what it becomes”. John 12:21

The kernel of corn becomes a corn stalk with ears of corn. An acorn becomes an oak tree. The grain of wheat, the apple, pumpkin, tomato, wild flower seeds . . . all of them must die if we are to ever have the wonderful gift they bring. (Seeds in a bag? What good is that? Spread ’em around and be amazed!!)

Jesus tells us in this short brilliant image that we humans must “die to ourselves” and begin “living for others”, and it’s when we do this that we discover who God made us to be. And this world shines a bit brighter.

So go be a good seed this week.

• Stay a bit longer with “that person” you’d rather avoid.
• Think ahead as to what might please your spouse. Do it.
• Smile when you’re not feeling happy.
• Say a prayer for someone who hurt you.
• Find a way to encourage a young person to use their gifts.
• Give some money away.
• Someone disappoints you for the 100 time. Smile and find a kind word for them.
• Sit with someone who needs some company.
• Think of a reason why someone might be so annoying. Forgive them.
• Presume you’ve been that annoying too. Ask for pardon where appropriate.
• Go out of your way to be kind to people who wait on you. A smile and a kind word can really help someone.

Have a good week you little seed you.

Fr. Tim