FIRST READING
Jeremiah 14:17-22
Let my eyes stream with tears day and night, without rest, Over the great destruction which overwhelms the virgin daughter of my people, over her incurable wound. If I walk out into the field, look! those slain by the sword; If I enter the city, look! those consumed by hunger. Even the prophet and the priest forage in a land they know not.
Have you cast Judah off completely? Is Zion loathsome to you? Why have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed? We wait for peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness, the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you. For your name’s sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory; remember your covenant with us, and break it not. Among the nations’ idols is there any that gives rain? Or can the mere heavens send showers? Is it not you alone, O LORD, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13
R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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.”
REFLECTIONS:
Are you quick to judge the faults of others? Jesus
parable teaches us patience lest we judge before the time is right. Jesus
also warns that there is an enemy who seeks to destroy the good seed of
his word before it can bear fruit. Both good and evil can be sown in our
hearts like tiny seeds which germinate, and in due time yield a harvest
of good or bad fruit. We must stand guard lest evil take root in our hearts
and corrupt us. Charles Read said: Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow
a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
In the day of judgment each will reap what he or she has sown in this life.
Those who sow good will shine in the kingdom of their Father. They will
radiate with the beauty, joy, and fulness of Gods love. Do you allow the
love of Jesus Christ to rule in your heart, thoughts, and actions?
"Lord Jesus, may your all-consuming love rule in my heart and transform
my life that I may sow what is good, worthy, and pleasing to you.
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