First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

Reflection:

The book of Wisdom was likely written in the first century B.C., making it the last written Old Testament book. It was likely composed in Alexandria, Egypt in Greek. There is evidence that the book was well-known by the Apostle Paul and other New Testament authors, who alluded to its contents in their writings. And the early Church Fathers certainly used the book. As with other “wisdom literature” in the Old Testament, it is full of helpful advice and exhortations. In this Sunday’s reading, we see God being addressed and His attributes being described. The author, as he does throughout the book, speaks out against idolatry, affirming “there is no god besides you.” The one, true God who we worship is then described as just, mighty, merciful, and powerful. God is perfectly just and, therefore, is right in condemning those who disobey Him. But He is also perfectly merciful. God is willing to offer forgiveness to those who repent of their sins. Our sins justly condemn us, but if we genuinely repent, our sins can be washed away by God’s grace.

Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27

Reflection:

Here the Apostle Paul gives great insight into the activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians, especially in our prayer lives. The Spirit aids us in our weaknesses, teaching us how to pray. Think of those times in your life when you have been going through a very difficult trial. Often times we know we need to pray in those times. In fact, many times those trials drive us to our knees. But we can also struggle with what to say. In times of distress, we can have a loss of words. In those times, as in others, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid. The Spirit gives us the words to pray, interceding on our behalf before the Father. And the beautiful thing is that since the Holy Spirit is fully God, His intercessions are based on full knowledge of our situation and perfect alignment with God’s will, thus providing for our needs in that moment.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:24-43

Reflection:

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, we have a string of parables in which Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is a king. In fact, He is the King of Kings. He came to establish His kingdom, which is the Church. In the first parable about the weeds and the wheat, Jesus teaches us that He sows His word in the world and cultivates good fruit in “the children of the kingdom.” Therefore, the “wheat” represents those who allow God’s word to be planted in their hearts, grow, and bear fruit. But the devil is also sowing bad seed in the world, and some people are letting the evil he spreads grow in their hearts. In other words, they are allowing themselves to be enslaved by sin. These people are represented by the “weeds”. They have chosen to disobey God and He allows them to continue in their sin. But at the end of time, all people will be judged for their actions. The “weeds” will be burned, representing Hell, and the “wheat” will be welcomed into Heaven. This goes back to the attributes of God in the first reading. He is just and merciful. In His justice, there are consequences for sin. We all sin and, therefore, deserve condemnation, but God is also merciful and He offers forgiveness to those who repent. Repentance is what truly separates the “weeds” (those who stay in their sin and don’t repent) and the “wheat” (those who recognize their sinfulness and ask for God’s mercy).

Application:

  • Do you ever feel like you don’t know what to say in prayer? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words and intercede for you. The Holy Spirit is always present to help and guide us.
  • In what areas of your life have you struggled to let the “good seed” of God take root? Where do you still let the “weeds” of sin take over? Turn to God in repentance, seeking His mercy.