Listen

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like someone who planted good seed in his field. While people were sleeping, an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and went away. When the stalks sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.

“The servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Master, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then how is it that it has weeds?’

“‘An enemy has done this,’ he answered.”

Matthew 13:24-28a

Think

Differences between people can be a great challenge. Have you ever had something wrong done to you?

In our passage today, we are dealing with a classic family feud. In the subtext of our story, we gather that this is a long-standing feud between two families. In order to ruin the harvest, the family has sought to ruin the crops of their enemies. It’s hard to believe that this has something to do with the “kingdom of heaven”! However, we know that as we work towards a better world – a world that more accurately reflects the kingdom of heaven – it’s going to be hard. Injustice remains, people are hurting, the world is burning, and so many horrible things are happening.

Yet, we know that God is still at work, and in the face of so much hurt and pain, we are called to show God’s love to all people. That’s the kingdom of heaven breaking in, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

Jacob Kennedy

Question to Ponder

In the face of being wronged, how do you remind yourself that God is there?

Pray

God, in the face of the hurt and pain of our world, remind me that even when wrong is done, you indeed are still at work, and that is love.

Help me to reflect that same love to all people I meet today.

Amen.

Go

Receive now this shortened blessing of Saint Patrick, as sung by musician Steve Bell in his song, “The Lorica”:

“Be above me, as high as the noonday sun.

Be below me, the rock I set my feet upon.

Be beside me, the wind on my left and right.

Be behind me, oh circle me with your truth and light.”

Amen