As a farmer’s daughter, I learned that weeds growing in a field of Iowa wheat, oats or corn not only are a nuisance, but they’re invasive and persistent. When they are unchecked, they can choke the crop and must be kept under control.
A summary in the Guide for the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist
highlights Jesus’ patience with us in our growth:
“In his patience, the Lord allows both weeds and wheat to grow together, The Lord is good and forgiving, lenient to all, desiring repentance for our sins. May the Spirit assist us in our weakness.”
How gently Jesus allows the wheat and weeds to grow together until harvest time when the crop is sifted and separated from the weeds. What a great metaphor for our lives and the need for us to identify what is to be saved. Could we also be tender with the weeds and wheat and let the good come to fruition and maturity?
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Another parable in today’s Gospel: “The Kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”
My mother made bread for our family, and lately I’ve taken up the tradition of measuring the flour, adding it to a mixture of yeast, a little sugar and warm water, kneading the dough and waiting for it to rise. I enjoy the gradual process and the wonderful aroma in my apartment.
Matthew’s parables speak of God’s love, growing and rising in each of us. This week, take a moment and look around; discover your own parable.
Summer blessings!
--Sr. Carrie Link