Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43
Then he sent the crowds away and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Jesus answered them, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed are the people of the kingdom; the weeds are those who follow the evil one. The enemy who sows the weeds is the devil; the harvest is the end of time, and the workers are the angels.
Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom all that is scandalous and all who do evil. And these will be thrown into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the just will shine, like the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. If you have ears, then hear.

Reflections
“Then the just will shine . . in the kingdom of their Father.”
We may be disheartened because of the perennial suffering, persecution and violence happening in every part of the globe. Those who intentionally inflict them do not discriminate; everyone is a prospect. And dastardly actions are unrelenting. Jesus’ words to the disciples is a source of hope in this global human predicament.
Jesus, on the one hand, is strong in his message that in the last days those who allow themselves to become instruments of the evil one will not go unpunished. “Persecution and oppression will not last forever; evil doers will eventually suffer the fate their behavior deserves” (Brendan Byrne). Jesus explication of the parable, on the other hand, assures those who pro- mote peace, justice, and love their heavenly reward. He gives us not only consolation but also hope - hope that our work of advancing the reign and love of God awaits a glorious price. This is our motivation to continue doing good and working against any form of injustice, always be- coming a voice of the voiceless.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019