Readings: Exodus 24:3-8, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, Matthew 13:24-30
“The servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest...’” (Matthew 13:28-30)
There is the story of a farmer who found an eagle’s egg and placed it among the chicken’s eggs. Eventually, the little eagle developed among the chicks, unaware that it was different from the others. One day, the eagle looked up at the sky and saw the giant Eagle soaring above, and he said to its fellow chicks: “How I wish I could go up there,” but in response, they said: “No, you can’t, you are not meant to fly.”
The constant challenge before us, as Christians, is to recognise our true potential as wheat amid weeds. You are an eagle, not a chicken. You are meant to shine, like a lamp which gives light in the house, not meant to be hidden under a bushel. You are meant to fly high, not follow the crowd. You can be a Saint; do not be discouraged by the weeds you grew up with.
This parable also teaches us that it is wrong to conclude everyone is the same. The fact that you have yet to meet a truly God-fearing Christian does not mean such persons do not exist. Some Christians are like wheat struggling to grow among weeds. They are in environments where ordinary acts of virtue are simply heroic. Do not be too quick to judge or condemn anyone.
What happens to the weeds? Why does God allow bad Christians to go scot-free? Why are there fake pastors running business centres, deceiving Christians? Why won’t God cut down those disgracing His name and giving a bad reputation to others? God is merciful. God takes no pleasure in the punishment (death) of the sinner. He allows the weeds to grow lest, in pulling them out, the wheat is also destroyed.
God continually gives second chances, but the day of harvest must surely come. The fact that you have never been caught doesn’t mean you are smart; it only means your day of harvest hasn’t come yet. As we come to the end of another week, let us examine our hearts: “Have I been a wheat or a weed?”
In today’s first reading, after listening to the words of the Ten Commandments, the people of Israel spoke with one voice: “We will observe all the commands that the Lord has decreed.” Moses put the words of the Ten Commandments into writing, and early the next morning, he built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve standing stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses also offered holocausts and immolated bullocks to the Lord on the altar. Half the blood Moses took up and put in basins, the other half he cast on the altar.
After reading the Ten Commandments to the people, Moses sprinkled the blood of the animals on the people. Moses’ actions can be described as the ancient origin of today’s Eucharistic liturgy. We have the Liturgy of the Word, followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. However, instead of the blood of animals, we now have the blood of Jesus Christ, the one perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Today, we remember Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary. Our understanding of them comes from the Gospel of James, a second-century text that early Church leaders did not officially recognise. Tradition tells us that an angel announced to Joachim and Anne that they would have a daughter, Mary. They dedicated her to God and ensured she remained a virgin throughout her life.
Joachim and Anne are celebrated for their strong faith and dedication. They are admired for their commitment to God and for raising Mary with great love and piety. As such, they serve as role models for all parents and are respected for their essential role in the life of Mary, the Mother of God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to reorder our priorities so that your Word may bear fruit in our lives. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Exodus 24:3-8, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, Matthew 13:24-30)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu