GOSPEL
Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age.
Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 13:36-43
Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.
His disciples approached him and said,
“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.
The weeds are the children of the Evil One,
and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will collect out of his Kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun
in the Kingdom of their Father.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
“Fall” or “act”
Wheat or weeds? Which side am I really on? Today the Lord speaks of these two sides: Citizens of the Kingdom and followers of the Evil One. Being “citizens of the Kingdom” may make us feel identified, because Baptism gave us the “residence permit” and all that’s left is to try not to step out. One thing is for sure, we are not followers of the Evil One. We try to follow the Lord and transmit His Word.
Between “falling” into temptation or “acting” iniquity there is an important difference. It’s the intention. Saint John Paul II says that the key lies in the intentionality of the heart. What is my intention when I look at you? When I speak to you? When I do or don’t do things? That is what will distinguish me as a citizen of the Kingdom or as weeds.
Applied to married life:
Jaime: My wife has flaws. Sometimes she gets nervous and a bit unbearable. Sometimes she only sees the most negative of me, and finds it hard to accept it, other times she is proud, sometimes arrogant and doesn’t want to admit her flaws… Yes, my wife has flaws. But I love her. I know she struggles to improve, even though sometimes it goes worse and other times better. I have been created as a help, to encourage her, to keep fighting, not to lose hope, to remember that God is merciful and loves her just as she is.
Teresa (Jaime’s Wife): My husband also has flaws. Sometimes he is impulsive and gets angry, other times he is too harsh with the children, other times he is proud, sometimes it’s hard for him to deepen, other times he is selfish… But I know that he repents, asks for forgiveness and strives to do better every day. For all those weaknesses to disappear depends on God, but in the meantime, he is willing to keep fighting until God grants him Grace. I love him just as he is, and my greatest gift would be to help him with affection and patience so that he never gives up.
Mother,
We ask for the grace of perseverance, to be able to be with you one day in the Kingdom of Heaven. Praise be to God who gives us this wonderful opportunity.