THE SEED WE PLANT TODAY IS THE FRUIT WE EAT TOMORROW

THE SEED WE PLANT TODAY IS THE FRUIT WE EAT TOMORROW

A Gospel Reflection for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 11, 2026

Every great harvest begins with a single seed of hope. When we plant today with faith and perseverance, we prepare for a future rich in meaning and abundance. Let us embrace the power of small beginnings, trusting that each act of goodness and faithfulness will bear fruit in its time.

An African adage says that the best time to plant a tree was ten years ago; the next best time is today. This wisdom reminds us that it is never too late to begin something meaningful. Three years ago, on July 11, 2023, I visited Virginia Durant, who was not feeling well. As she showed me her garden, my eyes caught an avocado tree that stirred memories of home, of my mother’s generous harvest and the joy of sharing fruits freely with neighbors. These memories are a testament to the abundance that comes when we sow generously and care for what we plant. Even now, when I see how expensive avocados are in the USA, I am reminded of the blessings that come from planting and giving without counting the cost.

With excitement, I climbed Virginia’s tree and picked some fruits. Inspired, I saved one seed and planted it in the priests’ backyard, near the swimming pool. As the seed sprouted, I nurtured it with patience and hope, watching it grow strong and beautiful. As I look at it today, it reminds me that the seeds we plant, whether of faith, kindness, or love require care and time before their fruits appear. Though I must wait ten to thirteen years for my avocado tree to bear fruit, I am reminded daily that growth happens quietly, and the future is shaped by the actions we take today.

On June 25, 2026, our Diocese gathered at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose for the Bishop’s kickoff of the “Sowing the Seed of Faith” campaign. It is a call to action for spiritual renewal. The bishop invites us all to be proactive, to plant seeds of faith that will transform our parishes and communities for generations. At St. Victor Church, our own kickoff this weekend is an opportunity to lay a foundation for our children and to create a legacy of faith and hope. When we invest in rich soil of our hearts, homes, and parish, God promises that our efforts will bear lasting fruit.

Scripture teaches that the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the Word and understands it. Our words and actions are like seeds, full of potential beyond our imagination. When we choose to listen deeply, to nurture what is good, and to share words of encouragement, we plant hope and possibility in our families and communities. What we nurture today will shape the identity and future of our Church and our world.

As Christians, we are called to be people of the Word, rooted in God’s life and Spirit. The Word of God equips us with the strength to live faithfully and the vision to see beyond the present. When we allow the Word to take root in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, it shapes our identity, inspires our actions, and opens us to God’s promises for the future. Let us be intentional in making the Word of God central in our lives, trusting that it will guide and sustain us.

Let us commit to making the Word of God our daily companion, drawing strength and direction from it. The scriptures are God’s loving presence and guidance for us. As Deuteronomy reminds us: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart... Teach them diligently to your children... talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Dt 6:5-7). Every day presents a new opportunity to plant seeds of faith by listening, reflecting, and sharing God’s Word with others.

The Holy Scriptures are vital to the life of the Church and each of us individually. Let us honor God’s Word by making it our guide, reading it daily, and reflecting on its message. St. Paul reminds us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for convincing, for correction, and for instruction in right living” (2 Tim 3:16). When we do this, we plant seeds that will nourish us, our families, and our communities for years to come.

Loving God, source of all wisdom and life, we thank you for the gift of your Word and the seeds you place in our hearts. Grant us the grace to nurture faith, hope, and love in ourselves and others. May the seeds we plant today bear abundant fruit for your glory and the good of our communities. Help us to listen, to trust, and to act with courage, so that our lives reflect your presence and promise. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

by Father John Offor