In this Sunday's Gospel reading we see the Lord allowing the weeds and wheat to grow together. Jesus states it clearly in his explanation to the disciples. "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil."
Numerous things jumped out at me as I read this over a few times. First of all, there does not seem to be any hesitation from Jesus when speaking about the existence of the devil. Why do we find ourselves in modern society, even among some Church leaders, questioning the evil one's existence? The words of Jesus seem quite clear and concise in his explanation of the parable.
Secondly, this parable really enocuraged me to do a thorough examination of conscience. If I were to render an account of my deeds at this very moment, do I see more weeds or wheat in that account?
Next, if we have been baptized into the family of God, we are children of the kingdom. Are we staying rooted in grace, or are we allowing ourselves to be influenced by the seeds of the evil one?
If we have struggled in our walk with the Lord, let us find comfort in the words all throughout this weekend's Scripture readings. Reading number one from the Book of Wisdom says it clearly:
"But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us."
The responsorial psalm refrain says:
"Lord, you are good and forgiving."
In the second reading from Paul's letter to the Romans he explains:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
That statement should bring us great solace. Knowing that we have the Holy Spirit interceding for us when we do not know how to pray should fill us with contentment, peace, and hope.
Finally, the Gospel sums it up well:
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
We are children of the kingdom. Praised be Jesus Christ!
Numerous things jumped out at me as I read this over a few times. First of all, there does not seem to be any hesitation from Jesus when speaking about the existence of the devil. Why do we find ourselves in modern society, even among some Church leaders, questioning the evil one's existence? The words of Jesus seem quite clear and concise in his explanation of the parable.
Secondly, this parable really enocuraged me to do a thorough examination of conscience. If I were to render an account of my deeds at this very moment, do I see more weeds or wheat in that account?
Next, if we have been baptized into the family of God, we are children of the kingdom. Are we staying rooted in grace, or are we allowing ourselves to be influenced by the seeds of the evil one?
If we have struggled in our walk with the Lord, let us find comfort in the words all throughout this weekend's Scripture readings. Reading number one from the Book of Wisdom says it clearly:
"But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us."
The responsorial psalm refrain says:
"Lord, you are good and forgiving."
In the second reading from Paul's letter to the Romans he explains:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
That statement should bring us great solace. Knowing that we have the Holy Spirit interceding for us when we do not know how to pray should fill us with contentment, peace, and hope.
Finally, the Gospel sums it up well:
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
We are children of the kingdom. Praised be Jesus Christ!
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