# The work of Lent
*2015-03-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the Gospel of John and the necessity of spiritual death to achieve eternal life and fruitfulness.

## The Grain of Wheat

In today's scripture reading from John 12:24-26, Jesus tells Andrew and Philip, "Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servants be also. Whoever serves me the Father will honor."

## Finding Hope in Death

This is a seemingly grim teaching, yet it is consecrated in a metaphor that speaks volumes. Facing death is painful and even unthinkable at times, but seeing the possibility of death as a fruitful multiplication of life is hopeful. We must realize that the sprouting forth of new life can only happen when we lose our grip on our limited understanding of our lives. That insight can draw us closer to the mystery and quiet our frail human fears.

## The Work of Lent

We should ask ourselves: at this moment, what part of ourselves is the Lord asking us to lose? Is it selfishness, a myopic view of the world, or addictive behaviors? We must consider what needs to die within us so that we may love God even more fully today. This is the work of Lent.

*The work of Lent is to identify and surrender the parts of ourselves that must die so that we may bear fruit in Christ.*