Cross with Wheat
Vanderbilt Divinity Library, 1960

My dear friends,

Good day, dear friends. Today, as we gather to contemplate the profound message found in John 12:20-36, I invite you to open your hearts and minds to the lessons of compassion, sacrifice, and enlightenment contained therein. These messages offer deep wisdom that transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the core of our shared human experience.

We begin with the Greeks approaching Philip, asking to see Jesus. This initial interaction underscores the universal appeal of spiritual truth. The Greeks, non-Jews, represent the broader humanity beyond the Jewish community. In seeking Jesus, they demonstrate the all-encompassing reach of the message of love and compassion that Jesus embodies. In our lives too, we must remember that the values of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment are not confined to a single religious or cultural tradition, but they echo through all humanity, binding us together in a shared pursuit of truth and happiness.

Jesus' response contains a profound lesson. He likens himself to a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to bear much fruit. This metaphor of sacrifice and rebirth embodies the Buddhist principle of impermanence and the nature of life and death. Just as the grain must 'die' to bring forth new life, we too must let go of our old selves - our attachments, our ego, our fears - to give way to a life of spiritual richness.

In verse 25, Jesus explains further: "Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." This does not mean that we should despise life. Instead, it suggests that we should not cling to life in a worldly, self-centered way. It is through releasing our attachment to this transitory existence that we pave the way for a more profound, eternal life, characterized by compassion, wisdom, and selfless action.

When we serve others selflessly, as Jesus suggests in verse 26, we align ourselves with a path of compassionate action. This service not only brings honor but also puts us in communion with the divine. For Buddhists, this might be interpreted as walking the Bodhisattva path, putting others' welfare before our own, thereby attaining a profound spiritual growth.

Jesus speaks of his soul being troubled, signaling his approaching death. Yet, he does not ask for salvation from this hour, acknowledging that his suffering has a purpose. It is an invitation for us to embrace our sufferings, not as punishments, but as opportunities for growth and deepening our understanding of life.

When Jesus says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself," he signifies his impending crucifixion and his subsequent resurrection, which will serve as a beacon of hope and salvation for all humanity.

Lastly, Jesus implores his followers to walk in the light and believe in the light. This light can be interpreted as wisdom, enlightenment, truth, or the divine presence. It is a guiding force that keeps us from getting lost in the darkness of ignorance, confusion, and despair. To believe in the light is to accept the guidance of wisdom, to live a life of compassion, and to continually strive towards enlightenment.

In these troubled times, the message of John 12:20-36 offers us a beacon of hope, a guiding light, reminding us that through sacrifice, selfless service, and walking in the path of wisdom, we can transcend our sufferings and bring about a world filled with compassion, peace, and enlightenment.