Parable of the Wheat & .... (2017-07-23)

SUNDAY 23 July 2017, 16^th  Sunday Ordinary Time

 • Wisdom 12:13,16-19  • Psalm 86 • Romans 8:26-27 •  + Matthew 13:24-43 •

[__01__]    The parable of the good wheat and the harmful plants – the weeds – also show that we can sometimes underestimate or misunderstand what is going to “work” or “succeed”.

          I’d like to touch on the SOURCE, the RESOURCE, the REFUGE … for the seed and for you and me.

         

[__02__]    In the parable of the good wheat and the harmful weeds, we read the message that the 2 seeds and the 2 plants at the very smallest and youngest stages appear to be very similar.

          Only when they grow up are we are able to distinguish the good from the bad, the good from the evil.

[__03__]    And, isn’t it true that what appears to be the same – when it is small – can be very different when it is larger or full grown.

          This is true whether we are speaking of a vine growing in our gardens or speaking of a desire growing in our hearts.

          Also, what starts out as a SOURCE, can later become a RESOURCE, a “thing” we may hold onto or desire.

          [BAMBOO example – in my brother Mike’s backyard. The bamboo was not asked for, it comes from the outside, it cannot be cut down until it grows.]

          Example of attitude --

[__04__]           Let’s say, for example, I am inspired to do something – whether it is a small favor – or a big project to helps someone.       This is good.

          On the other hand, I may also – simultaneously – have a desire for RECOGNITION. The RECOGNITION could become my RESOURCE, my thing. As a good resource, it could be help me… then again, it could also be a harmful tendency or attitude if it’s too strong.

          Are they the same? In the beginning, the desire for “LOVE” and “RECOGNITION” appear to be the same.

          In fact, a small child could hardly tell the difference. As a child, we see that people who love us also recognize us and people who recognize us love us.  Similarly, a small child easily learns to love those he or she recognizes and to recognize those he or she loves.

[__05__]           As we grow up, however, we see that we could – at times – be called to love or care for someone who does not recognize us, who might even reject us.

          So, in this regard, the full-blown – or full-grown – desire for recognition could be troublesome and harmful plant.

          When it is small – the desire for recognition, is no trouble at all.

          When it is full grown, it could be trouble.

          For example, our Savior challenges us to love even those who do not love us…to love those whom we may not like… and to love those who may reject us.

          “Pray for your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”

          In fact living this way is risky but it does increase our connectivity and sense of community and communion.

          It is the Good News in real time.

[__06__]    What Jesus asks is that we recognize him as our source of our being that we turn to him to discern what is truly good and what may be harmful – as a resource – so that he also may be our refuge and shelter each day. 

[__fin__]