Homily of Sixteenth Sunday
of Ordinary Time Year A, 2020
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Psalm
86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-30
The first reading reminds us that
God is a God of mercy, and also a God of justice. Let us pick a few lines from the
reading for a better understanding of this message.
God is a God of mercy:
· “There
is no God besides you who have care for all …”
· “…
your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all.”
· “But
though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much leniency
you govern all …”
God is a God of justice:
· “For
your might is the source of justice …”
· “You
show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved;
· and
in those who know you, you rebuke temerity.”
Yes, God cares for all and is
lenient to all; at the same time, he shows his might when his power is
disbelieved!
The parable of the weeds among
the wheat is a touching story of how an enemy sowed weeds in a wheat field. One
wonders why the enemy could not use such time to sow good seeds in his own
field. Why take so much time, effort and risk to destroy another person’s good
work? Those who commit crime spend restless days and sleepless nights in their
evil deeds. The world would definitely be a better place if those who carry out
evil deeds spent such time and effort in doing good work.
The question we often ask is,
“Why does God not intervene promptly and root out evil and evil people?” We may
not be able to unravel the mystery behind the presence of evil in the world,
and the mystery of what we often call ‘God’s silence.’ 2 Peter 3:9 instructs
us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to
come to repentance.” God is a God of mercy.
The parable concludes with the
following words, “… then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,
‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the
wheat into my barn.’” This means that there is always a day of
reckoning when good triumphs over evil; when God shows his might. God is a God
of justice.
The parable, also, encourages us
to stand firm and stay strong in our world infested with weeds. We are not to
allow ourselves to be overtaken by weeds. We are to stand our ground, and not
spend our whole energy crying and wanting the weeds to be uprooted.
Unfortunately, the battle between light and darkness has been existing from the
very beginning of the world, and will continue. St. Paul challenges us in
Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Jesus
uses the parable to teach us the reality of evil in the world, and to encourage
us that evil does not have the last word. The Evil One and his agents will
never stop sowing weeds. Therefore, we must always be prepared and not be
caught unaware by their weeds. St. Peter, also, encourages us, “Be sober and
vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing
that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings” (1
Peter 5:8).
Another striking point about the
parable is the reaction of the servants and the response of the field owner.
The servants wanted to go immediately and pull up the weeds. The servants
represent the times our judgements are premature and the times we rush to quick
solutions. The field owner, on the other hand, teaches us patience, proper
timing, and mature judgement.
Lastly, St. Paul tells us in the
second reading that no matter how we try, “… we do not know how to pray as we
ought.” It is the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us according to God’s will.
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the Advocate” (John 14:26, John 16:7). He is our
spiritual attorney. He arranges our prayers “with inexpressible groaning.” All
we need to do is to pray and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. This is very
consoling and encouraging concerning our prayer life. Let us pray:
HOLY SPIRIT, SANCTIFY MY PRAYER;
HOLY SPIRIT, DIRECT MY PRAYER;
HOLY SPIRIT, INTERCEDE FOR ME.
AMEN.
Fr. Martin Eke, MSP
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