In today’s parable, when weeds invade his lovely wheat field, the sower immediately recognizes an enemy’s hand. Now, who would want to spoil the promise of a fruitful harvest? Who would be so mean? The devil? Sure. But maybe it’s me!
God fills our life with his love and grace, nurturing us all along the way, but we throw sins into the mix, and they keep growing, too, like weeds. Only the sower’s patience saves me from catastrophe. Let them grow together, says the sower lest the wheat suffer any damage while ripping out the weeds. And when all is ready in due time, God will embrace the wheat and banish the weeds. So we treat our loved ones the same way: Hold them close like wheat, and protect them from the “enemy” that would harm them.
Wheat for the win!
Thank you Miguel...I am a work in progress trying to prevent those weeds from flourishing...Irene, I pray that you get through the next 2 weeks as pain free as possible....I know you will as you have such strength of character...and Joe, congratulations on the birth of your great grand... babies are indeed a blessing
Great reflection as usual this morning, Miguel. Let’s keep trying to keep that wheat growing strong! Ken, I will pray that your son finds meaningful work in the near future. He is so blessed to have you for a Dad. Dear St Joseph, the patron of employment, please intercede for Ken’s son and all of our beloved children who need our support to find their place in this world.
Thanks PeggyR we can use all the prayers Joseph ismy middle name. Irene you hang in there girl. If you live in western New York I can help with chores and the Eucharist. Terry my friend is going to drive herself to mass this Sunday I will meet her there for moral and support getting up the inclined entrance. Jane prayers for the successful work environment. Ken
I can get confused with the two readings of today in Jeremiah 7 and Matthew 13 thinking they are both to address the people in the church, but they are not! *** Jeremiah 7 is God's warning to the people in the church and whereas Matthew 13 is God's plan for the people in the world! *** God's warning to the people in the church in Jeremiah 7:1-2, "A message from the Lord came to Jeremiah. The Lord said, “Stand at the gate of my house. Announce my message to the people there. Say,“ ‘Listen to the Lord’s message, all you people of Judah. You always come through these gates to worship the Lord!" *** God's plan for the people in the world in Matthew 13:36-39, "Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to Him. They said, “Explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The One Who planted the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seed stands for the people who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who plants them is the devil. The harvest is judgment day. And the workers are angels!" ******* God will take care of the weeds and wheat on judgement day in Matthew 13:28b-30, "The slaves asked Him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ “ ‘No,’ the owner answered. ‘While you are pulling up the weeds, you might pull up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest (judgement day). At that time I will tell the workers (angels) what to do. Here is what I will say to them. First collect the weeds (non-believers). Tie them in bundles to be burned. Then gather the wheat (believers). Bring it into My storeroom.’ ” *** Jeremiah delivered God's message/warning to the people of the church (us today) in Jeremiah 7:7-11, "If you obey Me, I will let you live in this place. It is the land I gave your people of long ago. It was promised to them for ever and ever. But look! You are trusting in worthless lies. “ ‘ “You continue to steal and commit murder. You commit adultery. You tell lies in court. You burn incense to Baal. You worship other gods you didn’t know before. Then you come and stand in front of Me. You keep coming to this house where I have put My Name. You say, ‘We are safe.’ You think you are safe when you do so many things I hate. My Name is in this house. But you have made it a den for robbers! I have been watching you!” announces the Lord." *** Jesus delivered God's message/warning to the people of the owrld in Mattheew 13:40-43, "The weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire. That is how it will be on judgment day. The Son of Man will send out His angels. They will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin. They will also get rid of all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace. There people will weep and grind their teeth. Then God’s people will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Whoever has ears should listen!" *** God is merciful to the people in the church and in the world: Listen to what Peter said in 2 Peter 3:3-9, "Most of all, here is what you must understand. In the last days people will make fun of the truth. They will laugh at it. They will follow their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘return’ He promised? Everything goes on in the same way it has since our people of long ago died. In fact, it has continued this way since God first created everything.” Long ago, God’s Word brought the heavens into being. His Word separated the earth from the waters. And the waters surrounded it. But these people forget things like that on purpose. The waters also flooded the world of that time. And so they destroyed the world. By God’s Word the heavens and earth of today are being reserved for fire. They are being kept for the day when God will judge. Then ungodly people will be destroyed. Dear friends, here is one thing you must not forget. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years. And a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow to keep His promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. Instead, He is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, He wants all people to turn away from their sins!" Praise You, Lord Jesus!!!
Thank you Miguel. “What if it’s me?” What if I am the weed. That stopped me in my tracks. May God keep me in check and may I use confession as a way to stop the weeds from taking over the harvest. Looking forward to seeing my son who is coming home from Debate Camp today. Amen.
Praying for a good outcome at your office next week Jane. Hoping everything works out for the betterment of everyone involved. God bless you, Amen.
I had the same reaction:What if it's me?" I pray for the ability to make a good examination of conscience every month to get rid of the weeds. I also pray for patience, I cannot drive for 2 weeks & I live alone. But I needed the hip replacement so I will deal with it.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence, war and environmental destruction – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Another gIft to thank God for: Our fourth great-grandson was born a few days ago and is healthy and lively! My granddaughter and her husband had been trying for five years to have their first child and are so happy. God rewards patience and persistence and helps us overcome discouragement and despair.
Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Joe. Such joyful news! God bless them richly.
Amen Joe. Congratulations and blessings to their family.
After my daily review of the yesterday’s posts I just want to say how much I love you all. We share our stories and our lives here and God has blessed us so with each other. In our daily struggles, our family situations, our heart’s joys and frustrations many times we can feel alone. I actually find my prayers more of a conversation with our Lord after my time with the LF conversations than a “sit on my knee and tell Santa what you want” kind of session, if that makes sense. The more we learn slowly about each other the more Jesus’ command of love your neighbor means something to me in my heart. It’s the growth of compassion for each of you out there that is trying so hard just like me that makes me feel the presence of God in this world. Like a little child’s art work, we show our Father and he smiles because it may not be like His masterpieces of creation but we are trying. I am praying for each of you and your loved ones, a lot for your loved ones because we know He is with us but our children and grandchildren, friends and workmates, those not sharing each day here with us need to know Our God in heaven is with them too no matter what they are facing. Have a good weekend everyone and know you are loved!
Beautiful comments this morning, Vicky. Isn’t it true that our prayer time turns into a conversation with our BFF? Sending love and blessings to you and thank you for your positivity and warm wishes to everyone.
I am grateful for the many prayers of friends online & in person. I had right hip replacement on Thursday & was discharged Friday afternoon. I am dealing with the pain, not as bad as I imagined. Extra strength Tylenol takes care of it. I continue to pray for others.
Right back at you Vicky. I, too, just finished the posts from yesterday and they are chicken soup for the soul, filled with warmth and support. Sending hope to all today, especially for those of us with children who can’t always see God’s plan for them. Amen.
Vicky, that was beautiful! Thank you so much!
Amen Vicky!!
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Sharing with you, “DAY TWENTY-FIVE “...whose rider is called Faithful and True.” *** READ “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11 “Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and His army.” Revelation 19:19 *** REFLECT As heaven stands open, John sees a glorious vision. Sitting astride a white horse is the one “called Faithful and True,” the Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful and true describe the character, words, and actions of the Lord Jesus. Jesus called Himself the “faithful and true witness” when He spoke to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Isaiah 9:6-7; 53:1-12 and Micah 5:2, 4 remind us that God faithfully fulfilled the prophecies about the promised Messiah—Jesus Christ. Throughout John’s gospel, we discover that Jesus is faithful to His Word and to the people He died to save. Jesus will overcome and destroy His enemies, but His victory is unlike anything we could plan or imagine. Before shedding His enemies’ blood, Christ shed His own, bringing salvation to all who trust in Him. How will you respond to this glorious truth? How will Christ’s supremacy guide your choices and give you hope today? *** PRAY So often we feel discouraged by the world around us. John’s vision in Revelation 19:11 gives us a beautiful picture of Christ’s ultimate power and victory. Even the beast and the kings of the earth will fall in terror before the One who is faithful and true. Nothing can stand against the Lord Jesus Christ. Reflect on that truth today. Spend some time praising God for His promises in Revelation. Ask Him for the faith to surrender your sorrows, your anxieties, and your struggles before the One whose victory is secure.”