We live in turbulent times. I find it very upsetting listening to news regarding the growing polarization and violence in the United States.
How a country once viewed with such respect and regard, seems to be imploding. It is important that we hold on to our hope and ground ourselves in the rich tradition of welcome, inclusion and love.
The early days of February, mark the beginning of a new season. In the coming weeks land will once again be tilled and soil prepared to welcome seeds that will be planted in the hope of a rich harvest in the autumn. The following story lends itself to this time of year.
In a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and valleys of Mount Kilimanjaro, Thomas, a humble farmer, faced a severe drought that threatened his crops and livelihood. With each passing day, the parched fields seemed to mock his efforts. Desperation crept in, and Thomas turned to God for guidance.
One night, as he knelt in prayer, a vision filled his mind: a vivid image of a bountiful harvest and abundant rainfall. Emboldened by this revelation, Thomas decided to plant seeds despite the arid conditions.
His friends mocked him; the villagers laughed at him. On the verge of doubt, he wanted to stop but devoted his thought to making an irrigation system and a water reservoir.
It’s been months since he planted his crops. One day, he stood on this farm, and in a loud voice, he prayed. He reminded God of the dream he had some months ago.
The sun scorched on his skin till tiny sores emerged and sweat rolled on his face like showers. After planting the last seed, he removed his raffia hat and wiped his sweat away with the back of his palm. Miraculously, a cold drop fell on his arm. He looked at it and glanced up at the bright sky.
Suddenly, gentle rain began to fall, and Thomas could hear the villagers jumping for joy. The field transformed— the cracked earth turned to fertile soil. Thomas’ joy knew no bounds his land was wet, and the reservoir was filled with water.
His plants grew as he watered his crops both day and night. The villagers marvelled as Thomas’s crops flourished, defying the odds. News of this miraculous harvest spread, and he became a rich farmer. He used his wealth to renew the faith of his entire community.
Planting seeds of hope in the midst of adversity can yield miraculous results. The once-barren fields now stood as a testament to the power of belief and the unexpected blessings that can sprout from the seeds of faith.
Early spring carries a beautiful sense of anticipation, the ground thaws, the days lengthen, and it’s time to till the soil and plant seeds.
In the Christian faith, this season often mirrors deeper spiritual truths about hope, renewal, and trusting God for growth. Tilling the soil prepares the heart: breaking up hardness, removing weeds (like bitterness or doubt), and making room for new life.
Just as a gardener turns over the earth to mix in nutrients and aerate it, we invite the Holy Spirit to soften and cultivate our inner lives. Planting, meanwhile, is an act of hope itself. You place tiny seeds in dark soil, trusting they will sprout, grow, and bear fruit, even though you can’t see the process happening underground.
In early spring, when the world still feels a bit barren, planting becomes a declaration of faith: “I believe tomorrow will bloom again.” As one reflection puts it, sowing seeds is a courageous statement of hope amid uncertainty.
Spiritually, we “plant” seeds of faith, kindness, prayer, Scripture, and encouragement—trusting God for the harvest, whether we see it in this life or the next.
This season invites us to ask: What seeds of Christian hope will you plant today? Perhaps forgiving someone, recommitting to prayer, sharing the Gospel, or simply trusting God in a hard place. Spring reminds us that God specializes in new beginnings—”Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth” (Isaiah 43:19).
Prayer of gratitude
Oh it is the little things. It is the gestures. The smile. The word.
The call. The thank you. The hello. The –is there anything I can do?
The appreciation. The praise. The touch. The patience of everyone.
The small talk of life; the chatter; the gossip; the bantering; the things of everyday.
And what then is prayer? It is noticing the little things.
The little people. The little gifts. The little beauty. The hidden gems. The wonder.
It is being able to see. To take off the shoes. To bow the head. To be grateful.
To being aware. To looking back and remembering the graciousness of life in people.
It is looking around and seeing the Godly image in everyone.
It is in being grateful for the brighter evenings.
It is in the planting of seeds that in time will produce a rich and mighty harvest.
It is watching with amusement and amazement the scatter of seed in life and seeing the gentle growth.
Oh it is the little things that matter.
Every day and every moment is grace and blessing.
May your early spring be filled with fresh hope, fruitful planting, and the quiet joy of knowing the One who causes the growth.
SEE ALSO – Fr Paddy: St Brigid brings with her a story of compassion, generosity, healing and renewal
