16th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A
Last Sunday, we heard the Parable of the Sower. Jesus told us that God’s Word is like a seed scattered generously, and the fruit that is produced depends upon the condition of the soil. Today, Jesus continues that teaching. The seed has been sown, but now we discover that weeds have started to appear among the wheat.
The servants are confused. “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?” It is a question people still ask today. If God is good, why is there evil in the world? Why is there suffering, sin and injustice?
Jesus tells us that the weeds have been planted by an enemy. Evil does not come from God. But what is striking is the master’s response, since the servants want to pull up the weeds immediately. The master says no. “Let them both grow until the harvest,” because pulling up the weeds might uproot the wheat as well.
This tells us something important. That God is patient and kind. He does not rush to judgement. He gives people time to change, time to grow, and time to return to him.
That is good news for us, because none of us is perfect. It is easy to look at other people and see their faults. It is much harder to recognise our own. The truth is that there is a mixture of wheat and weeds in every human heart. We all have good qualities, and we all find it difficult with our weaknesses and sin.
However, God sees both good and bad inside us. Yet he does not give up. Instead, he works patiently in our lives, helping the wheat grow stronger than the weeds. Every time we pray, receive the Sacraments, forgive someone, or choose what is right, God’s grace is at work.
Jesus then gives us two more parables. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which grows into a large bush. It is also like yeast mixed into dough until the whole batch rises.
Both images remind us that God’s work often begins in small ways. We sometimes expect big results and dramatic changes. But God’s Kingdom usually grows quietly. A simple prayer each morning; a kind word to someone who is finding life difficult; or a visit to a sick person. These may seem small, but God can do great things through small actions.
Holiness takes time and is tested through fire, it is built through small acts of faithfulness day by day. Like the mustard seed parable, those small acts slowly transform our lives, families and communities.
So today, let us be patient… Be patient with others, patient with yourself. God is still at work. He has not finished with any of us just yet.
Secondly, never underestimate small beginnings. The smallest act of faith, hope or love can become something far greater than we could ever imagine when it is placed in the hands of God.
As we reflect upon our scripture readings today and last week, let us ask the Lord to make us grow in good soil, help the wheat within us to be strong, and give us the trust in God’s patience and loving kindness.
The Lord who has planted these many seeds, is also the Lord who will bring in the harvest, of the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rev. Fr Philip Wrigley's Blog 