"If the grain of wheat
dies, it bears much fruit" (John
12:20-26). One day in my discernment
retreat as I was reflecting on the above text, something came into my mind: a
conversation between a seed and a farmer. I considered myself a seed and Jesus
the farmer.
Farmer:
My seed, I knew you were undergoing dormancy. I provided good soil
where you could receive water for softening your coat. I ensured that there was
enough oxygen without any form of pollution. I knew that you needed it for
respiration. There was not a single moment that you were lacking any condition
for breaking your dormancy, but you have retained it. You had enough time to die
but you did not want to. After all my efforts, you came out as if you were
preserved by salt. You have become even harder than what you were before! I
understand that it is very painful to die, but such is the condition for life:
death brings life. Why do you cling to your coat? Don’t you know that I can
give you a newer form? I am not tired. I will continue watering you day and
night. I really want you to bring forth new life. Please!
Seed:
My Lord, it was so painful. I
could not dare to be disfigured. But I also think that the outer coat you gave
me was water proof. Is it possible for you to change my nature? Sometimes I
really want to be like other seeds which bear fruits but I do not have enough
energy. Continue giving me your grace that one day I may also bear fruit in my
capacity.
"Lord, let me be wheat sown in the earth, to be harvested for
you. I want to follow wherever you lead me. Give me fresh hope and
joy in serving you all the days of my life.”
Lohay, George Gwaltu