Tuesday of Holy Week

“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat fall into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life will lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.” – John 12:24-26

My grandfather’s garden was a wonderful place when I was a little boy. He always tilled the soil during Holy Week and planted the seeds on Good Friday: beans, carrots, tomatoes, squash, radishes, okra, cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and corn all had their own row. I would come back week after week to see their progress. In the summer, it was always a treat to be able to sit down at his table to a meal of fresh vegetables. One of the mysteries of creation is that it is not until a seed is planted into the ground that it will sprout, grow, and produce good fruit. And one of the mysteries of faith is that it was not until Jesus surrendered himself to death upon the cross that a new creation could come into being. In a similar way, it is not until we surrender our selfish ways to death that we can experience a fruitful life in Christ.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, we know that the fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our prayer is that you will plant the seeds of that fruit in our lives. Put to death those things that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of your grace and bring us to life eternal. Amen.

Bill Britt