Let Them Grow Together until Harvest -Mt 13:30
A Reflection for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 | Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 | Romans 8:26-27| Matthew 13:24-43
The kingdom of heaven is like a naturalist who sought to bring harmony to the crops of a field. As the fruit bearing plants grew plentiful and large, the leafy greens grew resentful toward their neighbors. In an attempt to hinder the growth of the fruitful plants, the leafy ones cast shadows on others. The gardener would not allow such disorder to remain for long; he would prune back the produce of every plant; even the weeds were not spared. “Stay humble, my verdant friends,” said the nature-minded gardener, “you all are blessed to have my guiding hands and loving heart.”
In the presence of temerity (Wis 12:17) a garden cannot flourish. The same is true for the human heart. St. Paul instructs the Christians in Rome on this matter, “the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the [Holy] Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will” (Rom 18:26c-27). Our Heavenly Father – “the one” mentioned in the passage – has complete knowledge of each one of us. He also had perfect knowledge of the wisest, Holy Spirit who encourages the human heart to fulfill God’s will within every life. Our lives are meant to resonate with holiness and can only become a reality when we embody his merciful love.
By saying no to temerity (aka, insolence, or imprudence), we open ourselves to receiving God’s clemency (aka, mercy, or compassion). As men and women who hunger for wisdom – words by which we can flourish – the Scripture is filled with good news! While our faith may be firmly rooted in Divine Mercy (Jesus, I Trust in You!), plenty of others instead will sing, “Jesus, I trust in me… No thanks to you!” Let us pray for our neighbors who close themselves off from the consoling presence of God.
When the majority of institutions and celebrities proclaim, “By your own efforts you will merit security and success, popularity and peace-of-mind,” our Lord God instructs every one of us to cultivate a spirit of humility. Instead of self-seeking enterprises, allow the Sacred Scripture to instruct the mind and heart toward selfless endeavors & heartfelt kindness. In the readings for this Sunday, God shares more gardening wisdom, timeless insights into allowing the Gospel to inform our life’s purpose.
You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity… give your strength to your servant. (Ps. 86:15-16).