Growing Tomatoes

After waiting for more than a month, the tomato seedlings I had planted in a couple of plastic pots had grown tall and leafy but did not show signs of flowers that would produce tomatoes. This despite my having previously mixed fertilizer with the soil and watering the growing plants regularly. I was greatly disappointed.

But I did not give up. I researched why this was happening and what I should do to make my plants bear fruit. I checked the composition of the fertilizer I had used and the location of the pots to ensure they got enough sunshine. I used a different kind of fertilizer that was high in fruiting nutrients and added more soil in the pots. I continued watering the plants regularly and pruned unnecessary growth.

After another couple of weeks I saw flowers forming and transforming into small tomato fruits. I am looking forward to reaping a good harvest.

It occurred to me that we are like tomato plants planted where we are. We need to take care of ourselves, not only our bodies but also our souls. We need to grow and bear fruit.

Jesus said: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. . . . . Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit . . . " John 15:1-3

Our Lord wants us to be fruitful. And He gives us all the graces we need through prayer, spiritual reading especially Holy Scripture, and the sacraments. Our Lord Himself gave us His Body and Blood as food for our souls.