What does it mean to be like a grain of wheat? Hunter D’Armond, SJ, reflects on those whose selflessness gives life to others. Based on the readings for Sunday, March 21, 2021.

The key to happiness? Be a grain of wheat!

Hi, I’m Hunter D’Armond and this is my one-minute reflection.

Think of a hero of yours. My mom is one of mine. What I love and admire about my mom is how unreservedly she gives of herself to our family. 

How did she get this way? Well, knowingly or not, she followed Jesus’ teaching that “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, then it becomes new and produces much fruit.”

In many ways, my mom is like the grain of wheat. She gives of herself completely, and out of her selflessness arose the fruit of my whole family! 

So, no matter who your hero is, my bet is that they all gave of themselves in a way that caused a kind of death to the person they were. And out of their great sacrifice arose something which not only produces the great fruit of love for the world, but that has given them purpose and fulfillment as well.