Today we hear in the First Reading from the Book of Wisdom about how God has the care and responsibility for us all—and even when we humans are mistaken in our thoughts and deeds (denying good and therefore denying God)—God is lenient and kind. “Those who are just must be kind; (this is God’s example and way) and we are given “ground for hope” that we may repent our sins when falling short.
 
In the Gospel of Matthew, that same kindness and mercy is expressed in the parable of the wheat and the weeds we hear today. Jesus today speaks in many parables: good seed sown with weeds that are all allowed to continue growing together until the harvest; a mustard seed (the tiniest of seeds) that grows into a large and generous bush; a small amount of yeast that yields a lot of loaves. Ground for hope is demonstrated in these parables in that those who are good will be gathered up despite the weeds, who will receive their just reward (a fiery furnace); and how something so small—a mustard seed or yeast—can result in a huge blessing for all.
 
Jesus tells the parables concluding that the Master says to leave the weeds that are growing along with the wheat, to let them grow together for the time being. So, even the ugliest weed has the opportunity for conversion and change before the harvest comes—another example of God’s kindness, and certainly “ground for hope.” St. Paul reminds us that we are aided by the Spirit when we are weak—again: more “ground for hope.”
 
When the harvest comes, will you be gathered in or burned in the fiery furnace? Will you be wailing and grinding your teeth, or shining in righteousness? Right now is the time to stop and evaluate your priorities in your actions, your kindness and justice to those around you. Are you “ground for hope” to all of God’s children? This is our mission as believers; living examples of God’s intentions for us. Just some questions to ponder, some summer food for thought… 
Keep singing!

​Elizabeth Dyc

St. Paul tells the Romans and us today (the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time), that “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we are ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” Huh? All of us understand and half of us know (directly) about labor pain: it is the hard work and lots of pain for a wonderful result—the creation of a family!
 
I think St. Paul goes beyond the obvious—he talks about us freeing ourselves from our sinful selves—and doing the work of becoming what we were meant to be: children of God living in the glorious freedom of goodness and peace—creation still happening—it’s a process. We are still groaning with the work and labor of our everyday re-creation as we strive to fulfill our destinies as our better selves. And it is hard work…
 
All the other readings today have images of gardens and growing, fertile ground and seed, sowing and fruit—production and yield. Jesus tells us today that we “look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.” How can the Word grow in us if we do not take the time to be fertile ground: to do the work of preparing ourselves to bear good Gospel fruit and to keep vigilant about “weeds” (sin)?
 
In this season of summer—with all our outdoor yard work—we see right in front of us the example of how God’s Word may grow in us. And yes, the labor may make us groan as we create beauty and order, and for a relatively short time we enjoy the results in our yards and gardens. But how much more worthwhile and lasting is the garden of our souls we are preparing for eternal life?  My advice: plant some Gospel seeds, water with the Word, feed and fertilize with the Eucharist—tend your spiritual garden and you will produce good fruit. Food for thought!
Keep singing! 

​Elizabeth Dyc