My mother is an avid gardener, and we have had many chats about what she likes to call “the persistence of nature”: those weeds that come back just a week or so after being pulled, the dandelions peeking up from the cracks of an urban sidewalk, the new tree shoots that were unintentionally planted by eager squirrels. What is seed will travel; what is planted will grow.
So it is with faith. Jesus is teaching us in this passage about the “persistence of faith,” if you will. If we, like the seed, are willing to move, to be planted outside of our comfort zones—to die to ourselves—then the fruit born will be immeasurable. Our faith and love will bloom and grow in places and ways we never imagined.
- Sarah Hart
Peggy, I love it except this 100% Italian-American likes to kid his Irish-American wife on St. Patrick’s Day that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day except for us Italians. We’re still Italians!????
I certainly move, not sure about the planting though. My faith was planted firmly during my youth, & now it travels with me always. I live full time in a motorhome, no more than 3-5 months in one place. Thanks to Catholicism, I am never without a home to attend Mass & often Eucharistic Adoration. I know me dedication to my faith has an effect on those around me, hopefully a positive effect!
*** What exactly was Jesus talking about in John 12:24, “What I’m about to tell you is true. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only one seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds!” *** He was pointing to the upcoming sacrifice of crucifixion bringing eternal life to those who believe in John 12:23, “Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Son of Man to receive glory!” *** How should we respond knowing that truth? John 12:25, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it. But anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it and have eternal life!” ******* Jesus described this Christian life in Matthew 16:24-26 (Mark 8:34-37; Luke 9:23-25), “Then Jesus spoke to His disciples. He said, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross and follow Me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for Me will find it. What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses their soul? Or what can anyone trade for their soul?” *** What does it mean to pick up your cross, deny yourself and follow Jesus https://youtu.be/yR8aYY1-b-I?si=hdKeRSEkkdSJm9tb
Ken - praying for your sons, friends and Second Graders…and you. What a wonderful blessing to have all your grandchildren baptized! Praying for their continued faith journey. One of my forever friends is the cousin to the Sheriff who died at Batavia Down last week. Such a sad and senseless tragedy.❣️
Sarah what a great way to put that. No Matter what ,our faith can be replanted and grow over and over no matter where we are. I can picture the happiness of green all around with positive energy surrounding us. Blessing to all theLFF and those with special needs right now. May God show us his love and help us to spread it throughout all the world no matter where we are.
Finally read yesterdays comments thank you all for your well wishes for Journey and I. She is my strength to get me through my days now. My prayers extend to all this LFF and those associated with us that need extra help. Ken your grandchildren, sons, Maryanne and Carl, Vincent, Stephanie, Christine, Debbie, Anna, and of your that find it in your heart to contribute each day to those on this site readings your words of encouragement, Jane, Ken, Vicky G., Peggy R., Salina, Bill L., Bill S., Cheryl, JJC Bruce K., Sandy K., Nancy, Cheryl, Vincent and everyone that reads without commenting and have faith in God. You all are an inspiration to me and all!
Sarah, beautiful reflection today, thank you for sharing. What I will take with me is, “.. f we, like the seed, are willing to move, to be planted outside of our comfort zones…”. This is how we grow, but it is sometimes fraught with so much strife. Lifting Ken’s sons in prayer, as well as Cyndy, Maryanne, Carl, Stephanie, Roman, Ellen, Robert and Lyndell. Stormy, glad Journey is such a blessing! Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those suffering in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Amen. Thanks to all who are praying for me! I was so blessed yesterday with prayers. I'm praying that I'm able to schedule hand surgeries within the next few months. God bless LFF!
Prayers Holly!!!
Holly, that is good news. We pray for your healing and walk with you on that journey! Amen.
Thank you for this reflection. I am currently watching the seeds I planted start to sprout, and it fills me with delight, especially because last year’s garden struggled. Faith often feels very serious, so this is a reminder to be open to the joy and surprise as well.
I wonder what the germination rate of wheat seeds? What are the key factors that affect the germination (the seed dies and grow into wheat plant) rate? What does it mean or how does it compare to the growth of my faith?
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Received this from a dear friend and wanted to share it with all of you, my LFF! May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine on your windowpane. May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. Happy St Patrick’s Day to all of you and as my full blooded Italian Dad used to say; Everyone is Irish on St Paddy’s Day! ☘️❤️