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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider At the end of the age

At the end of the age

Published Jul 29, 2024 04:02 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

After speaking to the crowds in parables, including the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds, Jesus explains this last parable to his disciples that they may understand “what lays hidden.” Whereas the parable itself concentrates on patience with the “weeds” until judgment time, the explanation emphasizes the fearful end of the wicked. 

The sowing of the good seed refers to Jesus’ ministry: he preaches, performs the miracle, and invites people to repent. While John the Baptist threatens sinners and hypocrites with God’s judgment, Jesus welcomes sinners and outsiders and is merciful even to those who oppose him. The parable warns, however, that at the end of time, Jesus, “the Son of Man,” will not be meek and merciful. He will no longer tolerate evildoers nor invite them to repentance. Rather, he will use his power and authority to judge. Those who persisted in sinning and refused to repent will suffer the pain of “fiery furnace” (v 42). 

Pray for the “holy fear” of God and for the gift of repentance while there is still time and opportunity. Tomorrow might be too late.

 

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: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

 

 

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