“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (John 12:24)

The major theme for this Fifth Sunday of Lent challenges us to die to self by spending our lives in self-giving, sacrificial service as Jesus did, offering His life for our salvation. Today’s readings focus on the upcoming death of Jesus, which is interpreted not only as a priestly sacrifice (Hebrew 5), but also as the moment of His “exaltation” and “glorification” (John 12).


The readings focus attention on the self-sacrifice, suffering and death of Jesus on the cross as the means by which salvation has been effected.

Every human trial and hardship are epitomized in the self-sacrifice, the suffering of Christ. But, human suffering is not an end in itself. It serves and continues to serve as the pathway to glory. It is through suffering that believers learn the true mettle of Jesus and the extent of God’s love.

And the Church is called to emulate the “Spirit of the One crucified” by entering into those struggles, which continue to “scar” humankind, a struggle to ensure respect for human dignity against all animosity, even to the point of love for one’s enemies, a struggle for freedom against all oppression, even to the point of selfless service, a struggle for justice against all injustice, even to the point of voluntary surrendering one’s rights, a struggle against all selfishness, even to the point of giving up the things we own, a struggle for peace against all strife, even to the point of infinite reconciliation” (Hans Kung, “Why I Am Still a Christian”).

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to repent our sins, reflect on our vocation of dynamic Christian discipleship to live a holy life to fulfill God’s will and obtain our salvation.

How can we help each other accept eternal life by the death of the self through self-sacrifice, suffering and service to God and others?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.