by Demi Prentiss

Seeds – We need Jesus’ resurrection power in order to face tomorrow. Resurrection comes small, like seeds and leaven. One little word of encouragement, one affirmation, perhaps evoking one smile or laugh. One little gift can change us. – Br. Luke Ditewig, SSJE

Day after day, the news we consume fills us with fear and grief – news of insurrection, retribution, indiscriminate violence, political misbehavior, crippling moral failings. How can any person find a glimmer of hope, the source of resilience and resurrection?

Our failure to deal with our fear and our grief begets anxiety that becomes chronic.  As Seth Godin wrote, “Anxiety is experiencing failure in advance.” Perhaps our calling in an increasingly turbulent and anxious world is planting seeds, or kneading leaven into the dough of our lives. Receiving a seed – a little word of encouragement or affirmation, a smile or a laugh – is a gift. A gift that can change us, if we dare to receive it and allow it to grow.

Even more so, having enough hope to offer such a seed is a transformational act. Perhaps our willingness to be such a courageous giver is the power of God at work through us.

May the resurrection seeds you receive grow and blossom. May the seeds you offer to others leave a trail of hope that marks your path through life.