St Lawrence, Martyr: Thursday 10th August, 2023 August 10, 2023
Reflection on the WORD
Dying to self – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims that if we want to “yield a rich harvest” in our service of God’s people, like the “grain of wheat”, we need to “die to ourself”. Ponder on: Do we willingly serve God’s people with selflessness and sacrifices that Jesus has shown us, or do we only serve within our “comfort zones and preferences?
John 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.
If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Our whole life can be compared to a grain of wheat. We have only one grain and thus, one life to lead. Thus, the basic question we need to ask ourselves is, “What type of life do we want to live?”
- We can live an over-protective and “self-serving” life and remain as “one grain” or we can “die to ourselves” for the sake of the good of others, and yield a rich harvest.”
- The latter choice is the Christ-like life that we are each invited to take up. “Dying to self” is never easy; so was Jesus who had to carry His Cross. So, “Are we going to live a self-serving or selfless life like Christ?