SEEDS FOR SOWING

Read Galatians 5:22-26

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves.

2 Corinthians 13:5

On the island where my husband and I live the weather becomes very hot during the summer. To alleviate the effects of the morning heat, I prepare refreshing passion-fruit drinks for us. The fruit comes from the vines in our backyard. One day as I gather the fruit, I noticed a vine that had only a single fruit. But it was absolutely beautiful - glossy, big, and healthy-looking. This, I thought, will be wonderful and more than sufficient for two people. What a disappointment to find that when I cut it open, the fruit was hollow! It had a beautiful outer appearance but no flesh for eating or seeds for sowing.

After a bit of introspection, I thought of the need for Christians to be genuine and active, not to worry about appearances. We have been called to serve others, to act upon the fruit of the Spirit given to us in Galatians 5. Let us gather sufficient seeds of the gospel to plant where they are needed as Christ has called us to do. When I sow the seeds of the gospel with love, God gathers the harvest.

Maria M. Urdaz(Puerto Rico)

Creator God, may we live and be guided by the Spirit to sow the seeds of the gospel. Help us examine ourselves so that we can be constantly reminded of the life you would have us live. In Christ's name we pray. Amen