Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Aphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.
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8-01-23 Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Aphonsus Liguori, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Gospel
Matthew 13:36-43
Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.
His disciples approached him and said,
"Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.
The weeds are the children of the Evil One,
and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will collect out of his Kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun
in the Kingdom of their Father.
Whoever has ears ought to hear."
Reflection
In this parable, Jesus is revealing two very important ideas. One is, evil is from the devil, but it is not out of the will of God.
God allows evil in the world for its purpose. It enables us to grow and to change and to evolve. Then he also makes a point that the life of an evil person is not anything like they might imagine. It is filled with pain and suffering. So there's very clear indications that there is this plan of God, that there will be suffering, there will be pain, but it all works together for the good.
Closing Prayer
Father, give us patience with the imperfection we see all around us, in ourselves and in others, in systems, in organizations and institutions, knowing that somehow all of this is working together. We’re growing, changing, evolving into a pure, more open way of receiving everything that you have planned for us. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.