5 th .Sunday of Lent. Year B). (3/17/21): Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33.
“… Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of
wheat…”
During Lent, we try to, more intentionally, to shape our lives after the model of Christ. This canbe inconvenient and sometimes even involves suffering. The psalmist today begs God: “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast Spirit renew within me. Cast me not from your presence, and your Holy Spirit, take not from me.” (Ps.51:3-4;12-13;14-15). Part of the Christian story is a constant willingness to repent-to return and turn to God’s mercy- (Metanoia)! The disciples of Jesus learn that death, suffering, and violence do not have the last word. The powers of this world, will eventually, fade, and be conquered by the invincible Son of God, who leads us to eternal life. This hope is instilled in us by the Saints who have gone before us, to teach us by the witness of their holy lives. Indeed, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am there also will my servant be”, says the Lord. (Jn.12:26).
Life message: “How, then, do we as Ambassadors of Christ, bring hope to those in this world of hopelessness and despair?” Today’s Gospel teaches us that new life and eternal life are made possible only by the death of the self through obedience, suffering and service. This upbeat message is assured us by Christ when he says: “Amen, amen, I say to you,
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…” Summarizing then we can say that: salt gives its taste by dissolving in water. A candle gives light by having its wick burned and its wax melted. The oyster produces a priceless pearl by transforming a grain of sand through a long and painful process. Loving parents sacrifice themselves so that their children can enjoy a better life than
they themselves have had.
Conclusion: Only a life spent for others will be glorified, sometimes here in this world, but always in Heaven. We know that the world owes everything to people who have spent their time and talents for God and for their fellow human beings. Mother Teresa, for instance, gave up her comfortable teaching career, and with just 5 rupees (17 cents) in her pocket began her challenging life for the “poorest of the poor” in the crowded slums of Calcutta. We see similar cases in the history of great saints, scientists, and benefactors of mankind in all walks of life. They, literally, chose to burn out rather than to rust out. Let us pray that we may acquire this self-sacrificing spirit, especially during Lent, in order to spend ourselves for others. For, “…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…”