Bearing much Fruit: Jesus continues the preparation of his followers. The hour has almost arrived for “the Son of Man to be glorified.” Whatever could he mean, his disciples wonder? So, Jesus selects a concrete image, one they will all have experienced: a grain of wheat – apparently lifeless – yet falling into the earth and dying, bears much fruit. 

The paradox: those who love their life lose it. Whoever serves Jesus, must follow Jesus. And as Jesus accepts what is to come, the voice again is heard. The crowd thinks it is thunder, the disciples perhaps hear God assuring Jesus that God is being glorified by Jesus. And once again Jesus assures us that when he is lifted up from the earth he will draw all people to himself. The disciples shook their heads. We are still unpacking the power of this message… In this passage we are presented with three different ways of considering the relationship between life and death.

First, Jesus refers to what we might call the natural order of things in creation: all that lives dies, and life often comes from what has died, as in the example of the grain of wheat.

Second, Jesus refers to the fact that we, so much more than a grain of wheat, have the blessing and burden of choice.

Third and lastly, Jesus refers to his own death, a death that is entirely his choice, but is in the context of a life lived to the glory of God.

If you are like a grain of wheat, what or where is your patch of earth in which your faithful choices might bring forth new life? Where can you make a difference today?

Jesus says that he will “draw all people to [himself].” How does Jesus draw you?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your acceptance of God’s call on your life and for the gift your sacrifice is for each of us. Help us hear the call you have on our lives to be faithful witnesses and to follow you. Amen