How to Harvest Virtuous Seeds this Autumn

Take in the beautiful solace we find in Psalm 126. We are reminded that hard work and discomfort are part of the process of this life. But we can also see that we will rejoice at the end of the harvest season. It will be a joy that fills our hearts and lifts our spirits through the seeds we sow. 

Although they go forth weeping,

carrying the seed to be sown,

They shall come back rejoicing,

carrying their sheaves. 

R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Seeds of Virtue

These seeds, which we are called to sow, are the virtues that the psalmist’s time and our modern world share. They are the same seeds of fortitude, faith, temperance, and sacrifice, among others, that have been sown by the faithful throughout history. These virtues, when nurtured in our hearts, lead us towards a life of goodness and communion with divine love. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church 1804 teaches, “A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions… virtues are the fruit and seed of morally good acts; they dispose of all the powers of the human being for communion with divine love.” 

As Christians, we should implant these good seeds in our hearts and share them with others to be united to the body of Christ. We are encouraged to tend or nourish these seeds so that when it comes time to harvest, we may witness the joy and freedom of true devotion.

It can be scary to accept this tremendous responsibility. But remember that these virtuous seeds have been acquired through grace and our unwavering faith. We go into the field of this world to sow them, knowing that the God of the impossible sustains us. 

While we know it won’t be easy, Pope Benedict XVI waters our souls with his encouraging words: “In Christ, you will find the strength and courage to advance along the paths of life and to overcome difficulties and suffering.”

Growing Seeds not Pain

There might be trouble along the way, such as doubt, temptation, or discouragement, and people might rob our seeds from time to time. We may misplace a few here or there, but we must remember who we are doing this for—God’s everlasting kingdom.

As we’ve learned from the Gospels, the soil plays a big role in how the seeds grow. In this metaphor, ‘our soil’ represents our hearts and minds, the inner landscape where these virtuous seeds take root. As gardeners for Christ, we should ensure our ‘soil’ is rich and inviting, filled with faith, love, and understanding. Without this strong nutritional foundation, our seeds will struggle to grow. It will be difficult to bear fruit for the rest of society to be nourished with.

These virtuous seeds should inspire us to grow in love for God. This means living a life that reflects His love, mercy, and justice. Getting started is one thing; persevering becomes a challenge, but the reward at the finish line is unimaginable. Therefore, think of the obstacles that invade your field of seeds as opportunities to magnify God’s love, that love that goes out into the wilderness to find the lost sheep and quenches the thirst of our broken, misguided hearts. 

Garnishing the Banquet with Fruits of Virtue

And, while it might be painful to go back and forth to water those seeds with works of charity and mercy, we need to remember that, in God’s perfect timing, we will gather our sheaves of humility, joy, and love to feed those at the banquet of the wedding feast, a feast that we eagerly anticipate and prepare for. 

That grand wedding feast will come to fruition at the end of this world. In the meantime, we are granted glimpses of this joyful feast at every mass. 

We, the church, are the bride encountering our bridegroom, Jesus Christ, with every Eucharistic celebration. So, let us bring forth our sheaves every time we participate in mass. 

Collecting the Sheaves of Joy

After we survive the heat of the hard labor and grow stronger through the heavy storms that nourish what was sown, we will chant with glee and hope that our lives rejoice in the Lord who provides and multiplies our harvest for the good of the world.

Until a new season begins, and we start all over again.