Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
—John 12.24
From a lectionary reading for Lent 5: John 12.20-33
Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 25)
The lectionary texts this week have set me to thinking about how God works in hidden spaces: in the inner being, in the secret heart, in the earth. There is work that God needs to do in us in secret; out of sight, away from the glare of day, removed from public view. Yet God has a penchant for revelation, for bringing into the open what is within us. God’s inward work is for the purpose of opening us outward. God draws us deep inside, then draws us back into the world to bear the fruit that comes when our inner lives are congruent with our outer ones.
Blessing the Seed
I should tell you
at the outset:
this blessing will require you
to do some work.
First you must simply
let this blessing fall
from your hand,
as if it were a small thing
you could easily let slip
through your fingers,
as if it were not
most precious to you,
as if your life did not
depend on it.
Next you must trust
that this blessing knows
where it is going,
that it understands
the ways of the dark,
that it is wise
to seasons
and to times.
Then—
and I know this blessing
has already asked much
of you—
it is to be hoped that
you will rest
and learn
that something is at work
when all seems still,
seems dormant,
seems dead.
I promise you
this blessing has not
abandoned you.
I promise you
this blessing
is on its way back
to you.
I promise you—
when you are least
expecting it,
when you have given up
your last hope—
this blessing will rise
green
and whole
and new.
—Jan Richardson
2016 update: “Blessing the Seed” appears in my new book Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons. You can find the book here.
P.S. For a previous reflection on this passage—which features my inner Barbie, the observation that “Lent is not for sissies,” and encouragement to cheer you on at this point in the Lenten path—click the image or title below:
This reflection is part of the daily series “Teach Me Your Paths: A Pilgrimage into Lent.” If you’re new to the series, you can visit the first post, Teach Me Your Paths: Entering Lent, to pick it up from the beginning.
[To use the image “Into the Earth,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!]
March 24, 2012 at 10:52 PM |
Beautiful reflection! I love this.
March 25, 2012 at 8:17 AM |
Love this. Thank you, and Amen.
March 25, 2012 at 9:18 AM |
This speaks much to me. Thanks
March 25, 2012 at 10:10 AM |
Sweet…..this blessing! Reminds me of ‘Stepping Westward’ by Denise Levertov, about ebb and flow, falling to earth, ripening…..a lesson that continues to re-visit me….such resonance for me in your words today; thanks Jan.
March 27, 2012 at 10:20 PM |
Oohhh, thank you for reminding me of Denise Levertov’s poem; just revisited it. Yum. Many thanks for the gift of your words.
March 25, 2012 at 10:48 AM |
Beautiful. Thank you for your words of blessing! May the blessings that we receive and send forth indeed bear fruit!
March 25, 2012 at 12:35 PM |
thank you (so much).
March 26, 2012 at 9:31 AM |
Your words always have a way at getting at the heart of the matter; or, perhaps it is more apt to say that your words have a way of getting at what really matters in my heart. Thank you for your wisdom, your discernment, your gentleness.
March 26, 2012 at 11:40 AM |
well said!
March 27, 2012 at 10:22 PM |
Amen to what Carolyn said! Thank you, Melynne; I’m very grateful for your words and your thoughtfulness. Peace to you.
March 27, 2012 at 10:21 PM |
Thank you, friends! I’m very grateful for your words and for your companionship here on the Lenten path. Many blessings to you in these days!
March 29, 2017 at 7:48 PM |
Jan,
The depth of your imagery continues to enrich me – These weeks during Lent have enriched me, giving myriad shades of meaning to my Christianity. Thank you
March 12, 2018 at 5:57 PM |
Hi Jan
Your words have been especially helpful to me. I lost my husband three months ago, just before Christmas totally unexpectedly. A friend led me to your book Cure for the Soul. Your Insomnia Blessing touched my soul, and has helped me make the journey into bed much easier. Thank you, your words always inpact my preaching preparation.
March 13, 2018 at 5:19 PM |
I am reflecting, contemplating the words, essence of this sharing, feeling a softness and fiber of the hull.Then a surrounding,up,over,under through motion within,wisp, breath. The hull’s fibers spread apart, stretch with Grace! Thank you,Beannacht. Today is my son Peter’s Birthday , who I lovingly have always called “ BEAN” With each child I felt, known the presence of GOD.