Saturday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Lectio
    Matthew 13:24–30

Meditatio

“Let them grow together until harvest …”

    In this parable we see our world’s reality. All around us are signs of the good seed that has been sown. So many kind and generous people have responded well to God’s invitations and dedicated themselves to helping others. Perhaps we can recognize some of these people in our own families or faith communities and among our friends and coworkers.

    Similarly we may notice others who seem to lack these motivations or goodness, whose actions and choices cause grief and do harm. Some slip into bad habits and evil ways for a time but turn again to the path of virtue. Others go from bad to worse, spiraling downward into a life of sin and vice.

The more impulsive among us might wish to rebuke, punish, and rid the world of “those evil-doers,” but today’s parable clearly indicates another approach. Letting the wheat and the weeds grow together for a time is a much gentler and more patient approach. Perhaps the weeds allow the wheat to grow stronger. Likewise, those among the weeds might benefit from the example and prayers of the virtuous.

    A profound look into our own hearts might also reveal that while we desire to be the good wheat, we may need to do some pruning right here in our own field. While we live we can always hope that both we and others may correspond to the graces offered by our patient, loving God.

The day of reckoning, however, will come for both the “weeds” and the “wheat.” While time is given for repentance and conversion, we will have to answer to God for the way we have lived. We must take seriously the call to reform and return with our whole heart to the Lord while we still have time.

Oratio

    Help me, Jesus, to be the “good soil” where the seeds of your word will take root and produce abundant fruit. May I give you glory by accepting your call to grow in virtue and grace. Give me a humble, contrite heart so that I might recognize my sins and turn again to accept your merciful forgiveness.

    May I remain strong in my Christian faith even if others around me oppose it. Let my life bear witness to you and become a sign of your saving presence at work in our world. May all who do not know you or live according to your teachings have the grace of repentance and conversion. Lord, give me wisdom to know when charity requires me to speak up on behalf of justice and truth.

Contemplatio
    Behold, such is the tender compassion of our God.
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ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 1–17: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)