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 during 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.

Recently speaking in Rome, Pope Leo, gave a wonderful catechesis on the Gospel parable of the “Sower and the seed”. He described the radical and generous love of God, who boldly scattered seeds everywhere including on arid and fertile soil, profoundly God’s love can touch our hearts at every moment Pope Leo continued to reflect “I have in mind that beautiful Van Gogh painting: The Sower at Sunset. That image of the Sower under the scorching sun also speaks to me of the peasant’s toil. And I’m struck by the fact that, behind the Sower, Van Gogh depicted the already ripe wheat. It seems to me an image of hope: one way or another, the seed has borne fruit. We don’t quite know how, but it is so. At the centre of the scene, however, is not the Sower, who is to one side. Rather, the entire painting is dominated by the image of the sun, perhaps to remind us that it is God who moves history, even if He sometimes seems absent or distant. It is the sun that warms the earth and ripens the seed”.

It’s lovely to see the fresh strawberries and new potatoes on sale again. Mother Nature is producing rich fruits especially after a glorious month of May. As we begin the month of June, traditionally associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray that God’s love and health will bless all our lives. This can be a very challenging time especially for our Leaving and Junior Certificate students. I pray again that the spirit of wisdom and knowledge will bless our young students. I pray that young people will be full of hope and embrace the power of the possible. I love the following prayer…

Thank you, O Lord, your love is boundless

Thank you, O Lord, your love is boundless

Thank you, that I am full of you

Thank you, you make me feel so glad

and thankful as I do.

Thank you for all the grains of wheat

Thank you for all the bread we eat

Thank you for all the turf we gather

Thank you we will have plenty heat

Thank you for all the ripe bananas

Thank you for orchards in the field.

 Thank you for all the new potatoes

Thank you for all the beans and peas

Thank you for all our gifts and talents

Thank you we share with those in need.

Thank you I see your world has meaning

Thank you I know your spirit here

Thank you because you love all people Those both far and near.

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