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
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
RSS Feed
