Last Saturday, we heard/read the parable explained in today’s Gospel. Between that parable and this explanation, there is also the parable of the mustard seed and the yeast, which was missed this year because of yesterday’s Memorial of the “Bethany Family” of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Interestingly, the disciples want to know an explanation about an earlier parable and not the recent two. Things must have been clearer for them with seeds and yeast, more probing and problematic with the idea of being a “weed.”

We finally recall things from previous parables in our own lives and wonder about their meaning. These times of reflection, especially pondering the Eucharistic mystery, give us opportunities to deepen our understanding and hope for richer treasures and meaning in our lives. It may also lead us to lament, curse, and wonder, as Jeremiah does in the first reading. Did God curse his life? Do we sometimes feel that this is the case for our own lives? Do we sometimes act like the weed and misread our life’s parables?

For whatever reason, we are called to be the righteous and shine. We hear this word often enough: righteous. We are called to be good and morally careful with our lives. If we truly serve the God of glory and goodness, the other worries will take care of themselves, and there will be no need for a fiery furnace for ourselves or others. We focus on sowing good seeds to build the Body of Christ and know that at some point, God will collect the excellent harvest after we have navigated the parables of our lives.

Prayer:

O God of the harvest, we call on your Holy Spirit to help us sow seeds of justice and righteousness. May we trust in your goodness and protection amid our uncertainties and remain faithful to your service through Christ our Lord.