“Unless
a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12: 24
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12: 24
This
verse is very powerful for me at this time – it seems to highlight the
convergence of three related story lines. The first story is this past Sunday’s
gospel in which Jesus has us reflect on his coming hour of death on the cross
and his veiled warning to us that this (dying) is what it means to follow in
his way. The second story line is the bigger picture of how this fits into Lent
– we are nearing Holy Week, just days away from the remembrance of Jesus’ Passion
and the conclusion of this penitential season. The third story is that of the
sainted Archbishop Oscar Romero of
In the sermon just minutes before his death, Archbishop
Romero reminded his congregation of the parable of the wheat. "Those who
surrender to the service of the poor through love of Christ, will live like the
grains of wheat that dies”.
"I am bound, as a pastor, by divine command to give my
life for those whom I love, and that is all Salvadoreans, even those who are
going to kill me." …
“I must tell you, as a Christian, I do not believe in death without resurrection. If I am killed, I shall arise in the Salvadoran people.”
“I must tell you, as a Christian, I do not believe in death without resurrection. If I am killed, I shall arise in the Salvadoran people.”
Only a few weeks ago one of our RCIA participants asked me
to explain paradox. The first thing that came to mind was the example of Jesus’
teaching that we must die to self in order to live fully. Everyone in the group
had examples in their lives about self sacrifice for loved ones that resulted
in greater love and freedom for themselves and those with whom they are in
relationship. And that is yet in this life; and only a foretaste of the Holy
Mystery beyond.
Still, all in all, dying is dying. It’s never easy and never
going to get easy. Everyday I know that I need to make choices. Some days I
make some really good self-sacrificing choices, some days I could do a lot
better. And everyday I need to look over the day and be as honest with myself
as I can be. Only by trusting in God’s great love for me can I have both the
courage to do this and the enthusiasm to keep growing in my spiritual life.
Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB
Dear Sr. Dorothy,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your reflection very much. It makes me think of my sister who learned during this Lenten Season that she has stage 4 breast cancer and it has spread all over her body, even her brain. As I reflect on Lent, and the cross Becky is carrying, I understand more fully the meaning of Lent, that we all have to die on the cross to come to new life. Keep Becky and her family in your prayers. We are trying to walk this journey with her. Thanks.
Our prayers will be with you, Becky and Becky's loved ones. May God bless her and give her strength and comfort.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I have been searching for something to focus on. I just don't feel like my life has any meaning right now. I wonder if new life services might help.
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