Weekly Gospel Reflection

In this week’s Gospel, we are told another parable using the analogy of a field of wheat. This carries on from last week, when we heard the parable of the seeds falling on the path, rocks and fertile soil. 

Jesus tells of a farm where an enemy had come during the night to plant weeds throughout the crop. As the new crop rose, so to did the weeds As the plants grew, both the wheat and the weeds appeared together. The farmer's servants, concerned about the weeds, asked if they should pull them out. However, the farmer wisely advised them to wait until the harvest, when the separation of wheat and weeds would be done properly saying “No, because when you weed out the darnel you might pull up the wheat with it. Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers: First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn.”

This parable carries profound lessons to how we understand the world around us. In reality, just like the weeds and crops, so to do we live in a world where good and evil exist side by side. Around us we will experience both the best and worst of the world. People who display acts of bravery and charity, as well as the unfairness of natural disasters. Simply put, we will in a world where good and evil exist side by side. However our intentions, we cannot completely eliminate evil from our lives or the world around us. We must instead focus on nurturing the good within ourselves and helping those around us. Much like the crop, we must trust that the final harvest rests with a higher authority. 

The phrase “this too shall pass” also comes to mind.

 As people of faith, we are called to be patient knowing that difficult times will pass. Further, that injustices that we may experience daily can be left to God – even though we may never see justice given.  We may want to remove the "weeds" in our lives immediately, without considering the consequences of our actions. But just as the farmer knew that pulling out the weeds prematurely might also harm the wheat, we need to exercise patience in dealing with certain situations and people. Sometimes, it takes time for the truth to reveal itself, and hasty judgments may lead to unintended harm.

This week we are called to be patient and look to discern good from evil in our world. Focus on holding back when there is a problem rather than being too quick to act. You might want to practise going for a short walk when something annoys you, leaving problems to God to solve in the long run. When there is a problem on your life think about a) what happened? b) who does this effect? C) does this really matter? D) what can I do now? 

Heavenly Father, grant me the gift of patience in the midst of life's trials and uncertainties. Help me to wait with trust and hope, knowing that Your timing is perfect. Teach me to embrace the challenges that come my way, understanding that they serve a purpose in shaping my character. May I be patient with others, showing compassion and understanding in their struggles. When impatience arises, remind me to breathe deeply and find solace in Your guiding presence. Strengthen my resolve to endure, knowing that in patience, I grow closer to Your divine plan. Amen.

St John Vianney

Pray for us.