Today’s gospel opens with a wonderful request: “We would like to see Jesus.” Isn’t that the request of each of us? That statement might be one that we keep at the forefront of our mind and heart in our journey of faith. It becomes even more pressing in this Lenten season.
Today Jesus uses the imagery of how it is necessary for a grain of wheat to fall to the ground and be planted to be able to germinate and eventually bear fruit. This imagery will soon come to life as farmers and gardeners prepare for springtime planting. Jesus uses this imagery to help us better understand the paschal mystery – his death and entombment leads to his resurrection and we benefit from the glorious fruit of the sacraments, the gospel message, and the support of other believers.
How does the mystery of Jesus’ dying and rising help you to see who he really is? What must be “planted” in your life?