Scripture:
Jeremiah 7:1-11
Matthew 13:24-30
Reflection:
Today’s Gospel is another of Jesus’ well-crafted parables: interesting stories with a deeper meaning. Here and now, in the heat of mid-summer, many of us can identify with weeds in our gardens – be it our backyard gardens or a large farm field.
Jesus’ parable recognizes the potential for a good yield, and the problem with an overgrowth of weeds. He wisely suggests patience with the encroaching weeds: let them grow together with the crop, and then separate them before the harvest. Patience, leading to definitive action that yields the overall best results…
We seek to grow in our lives of faith, to be fruitful and productive people. The "weeds" of sinfulness (both personal and social) try to choke off the growth: laziness, greed, lust, dishonesty, selfishness. Jesus encourages both a patience and a persistence that will effectively deal with the sinfulness — a patience and persistence that He witnesses in His earthly life and ministry, and His ongoing presence in both Scripture and Eucharist. A patience and persistence rooted in Love.
Two people likewise held up to us today for our encouragement are Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They were people of great faith and love, who helped the Blessed Virgin to grow and ultimately say "yes" to her special vocation.
May we accept the help and encouragement God offers us in dealing with the "weeds" of life, and thus may our lives yield a great harvest for God’s glory, and the good of our brothers and sisters.
Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.