Jesus tells another teaching story, this time about the wheat and the weeds. Notice what is being sown and by whom. Be very compassionate with whatever arises within you. It will shed light on how you understand and relate to God. This may invite further study and conversation with a trusted spiritual friend or spiritual director.
There were a few things I noticed in this passage. Jesus seems completely untroubled by the weeds growing up alongside the wheat. I find that very curious. The Farmer only plants good seed and seems especially concerned that every seed has the opportunity to grow, flourish and yield fruit. From His perspective the weeds growing up alongside will not ultimately choke out the love, light and life out of us.
May this text be a springboard to a dialogue between you and Jesus.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (The Message)
24-26 He told another story. “God’s kingdom is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. That night, while his hired men were asleep, his enemy sowed thistles all through the wheat and slipped away before dawn. When the first green shoots appeared and the grain began to form, the thistles showed up, too.
27 “The farmhands came to the farmer and said, ‘Master, that was clean seed you planted, wasn’t it? Where did these thistles come from?’
28 “He answered, ‘Some enemy did this.’
“The farmhands asked, ‘Should we weed out the thistles?’
29-30 “He said, ‘No, if you weed the thistles, you’ll pull up the wheat, too. Let them grow together until harvest time. Then I’ll instruct the harvesters to pull up the thistles and tie them in bundles for the fire, then gather the wheat and put it in the barn.’”
36 Jesus dismissed the congregation and went into the house. His disciples came in and said, “Explain to us that story of the thistles in the field.”
37-39 So he explained. “The farmer who sows the pure seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, the curtain of history. The harvest hands are angels.
40-43 “The picture of thistles pulled up and burned is a scene from the final act. The Son of Man will send his angels, weed out the thistles from his kingdom, pitch them in the trash, and be done with them. They are going to complain to high heaven, but nobody is going to listen. At the same time, ripe, holy lives will mature and adorn the kingdom of their Father.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Notice it. Be curious about it. Say hello to it. Talk it over with Jesus in your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God’s love for you.
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