Commentary on the Gospel of

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF and Luis Manuel Suárez CMF

            The problem for the grain of wheat that dies is that it cannot see the plant or the fruit that will result later.  Death must happen first. Life emerges later, and the fruit still later. Hence, what the grain of wheat needs is complete trust in the resurrectional potential it carries within, a firm belief that its death will not go to waste, but will lead to life and fruit. Does the grain dare?

            It is here we have the promise of Christ. He has walked before us, given himself up to death, and risen again offering much life and fruit to the world. And he assures us: “You follow me. Where I am, you also will be.” These words would suffice for us. We shall cheerfully give ourselves into his hands, for God loves a giver who gives cheerfully and without reserve.

 

Adapted from: Claretian Bible Diary

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF-frpaulson@gmail.com

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Fr. Luis Manuel Suárez CMF

2 Cor 9:6-10; John 12:24-26

Again, more paradoxes: a seed enclosed in a glass urn can be preserved for millennia ... but it does not bear any fruit; but a seed that disintegrates in the earth, ceases to be itself, bears abundant fruit.

This is the cycle of life; like the banana plant, which as it is bearing fruit, the sucker plant that will succeed it appears; or like so many parents and grandparents who go out of their way for their children and grandchildren; or so many professionals dedicated to their work; or so many consecrated people who give themselves every day to everybody...

This is the life of the martyrs, like the feast we celebrate today, St. Lawrence: die giving life; lose your life forgiving; surrender, like the Master, thus strengthening the faith of others.

Sow bountifully, to reap bountifully. How Jesus lived. From a trust like Mary's.

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