Jesus, the seed: Fifth Sunday of Lent

SEED: (Oil on Canvas; in the collection of the Missions Prokura sj Nurenbeberg.)

John’s gospel likens Jesus to a seed. ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains…. But if it dies, it bears a rich harvest. Who loves himself is lost’ (John 12:24). Seeds thrown to the ground would seem doomed to die and rot where they fall. The very opposite is what actually happens. Enfolded in earth that is enlivened by moisture and sun’s rays, an amazing rebirth into new life takes place. The seed breaks out from the dark soil. It bursts into bud and leaf, dancing its way upwards to the light, until eventually there is blossom and fruit. Earth’s seasonal resurrection anticipates Easter glory.

The limbs of Jesus here have a sinuous strength; grounded on one foot, the toes of which still pierce the earth like a root’s tendrils. The left foot and arms are raised like a dancer’s, with the hands and face lifted up to the light in adoration - in rapturous anticipation too of the transfigured life already emerging.

The illustration above is an instructive image for understanding Jesus' admonition to us and for understanding the connection between the dying seed and the "hour" of suffering and death that is ahead of him.

For this Sunday's scripture texts and background material on them, and hints for children preparing to hear the Word, see my earlier post.
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-ConcordPastor