This is a topic we introduce even to our 2 year olds in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. We start early so it gives the mystery time to develop and grow with the child as she matures.
We don’t explain the mystery. Instead we use a parable of Jesus from John 12:24.
“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.”
Then we examine a seed and talk about its power. It often looks dead and shriveled or so very small. We plant the seed, water it and wait. We actually plant several seeds so we can pull one up to show the root development and sprouting phase. We have a lovely picture of the parable with a progression of growth illustrated from seed to sprout to small plant to larger to harvest. Then we ask questions like what happens to the seed and what does this tell us about the Kingdom of God.
This is an appropriate parable to think about and let the mystery seep into your psyche as we begin our last week of Lent. What seeds has God planted and are they thriving and bearing fruit? What seeds have you planted and where are they in the growing process? Is it planting time?
The Daily Cup 