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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Weeds are collected and burned up

Weeds are collected and burned up

Published Jul 31, 2023 04:00 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY


The disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable of the Weeds in the field. Jesus tells his disciples that the Devil, the enemy, is the one who sows the weeds. When it is harvest time, the weeds—sinners and evildoers—will be cut down, collected, and burned up. On the other hand, the righteous will “shine like the sun” (v 43) in the presence of God! This is not a very inviting reading! However, this may prompt us to pause and reflect, to discern whether weeds or wheat are growing in our lives, which we can personally see as God’s field. What are the areas of my life where there appear to be more weeds than wheat? No one intends to grow weeds in this beautiful field of life that God gave us. In it, we all would like to nurture only good plants. However, the weeds often begin to grow in seemingly harmless ways. They are not visible at first, but they have a way of encroaching in every area of our lives if we are not mindful and alert.

Gospel • 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.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*

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