Easter Seeds

There is an old Chinese tale about an emperor who wished to groom a young child to be his successor. Therefore, he devised a test. He invited all of the children of the kingdom to the palace and to each of them he gave a clay pot filled with dirt and a single seed. He said to the children, “This seed will determine your future. You are to take it home and plant it, water it, and care for it.  In one year bring your pot back to show me the fruits of your labor.” 

Now among the children who came that day was a young boy by the name of Ling. He took his pot home and planted the seed. He carefully watered it and placed it where it could receive the sun. But nothing happened. Even after months of care, his pot remained barren. So when the time came to return to the palace, Ling did not want to go. But his mother said, “Ling, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You did exactly what you were told. Go and show the emperor your pot.” So Ling went.

When he came to the palace he was amazed at the beautiful flowers and plants that filled the pots of all the other children. When the emperor came in he surveyed the entire scene and his eye landed on Ling’s barren pot. “What is your name young man?” the emperor said. “Ling, sir.” Then the emperor bowed to Ling. He addressed the other children, “A year ago I gave to each one of you a pot and a seed which had been boiled so there was no way it would ever grow. Yet, when I come here today, I see pots filled with all the plants of my kingdom. Master Ling alone among all of you was the only one who had the integrity and the honesty to bring back the barren pot, even though by doing so he risked ridicule and rejection. Living with honesty and truth is difficult; but it is also a sign of greatness. Therefore, let us now all bow to Master Ling, the next emperor of our kingdom.” (end)

This Easter we are reminded that Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through him.  And that way is not easy.  Living with truth and honesty is difficult; but it is also a sign of greatness. Therefore, this Easter let us now all bow to Jesus our Risen Christ the King of our heavenly kingdom.

We are not boiled seeds.  We are the promise of things to come through our own spiritual growth aimed at bringing the kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.  Happy Easter!

Deacon David Pierce