Taking off the weed will affect the wheat

Ex. 24:3-8, Mt. 13:24-30. Today's first reading concludes the “Book of the Covenant,” which is the very heart of the Mosaic Torah. In a solemn ceremony presided over by Moses, the covenant union between God and the people is celebrated. He shares them with the people and they agree to be bound by the rules and ordinances. A covenant ritual then celebrates the people’s acceptance of God’s commands and unites them to God. The ritual consists the killing of bulls and the splashing of the animals’ blood (life force) on the altar (signifying God) and on the people. They are now connected by a blood bond, which signifies their connection to God and how God is joined to them. If they break the union by disobeying the laws, then they can expect to face the same consequences as the bulls who were killed. The Psalmist also speaks of being united with God in covenant relationship symbolised in a sacrifice not of animals, but of praise of God. The result of the covenant relationship should not just be fear of the punishments to be inflicted for breaking the covenant, but more importantly, gratitude to God for uniting the people with the Lord.

To offer a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving to God will help us to bear good fruit and remain good in the face of evils in the world. In today's Gospel, Jesus enjoins us to persevere and have great hope in face of wrongdoing by others. If weeds are detected in a wheat field and the prophet-servants want to go out and pull them up, the master says, “No! If you pull up the weeds, you might take the wheat along with them.” It is not that God tolerates evil forever, but allows plenty of time for the harvest to be properly brought home. Like the farmer in the parable, the Lord is patient with us. We need to be patient with ourselves and with each other. This is not complacency; it is simply the realistic recognition that we are work in progress. God has begun a good work in our lives, and even if it is not perfect in this life, God will bring His good work to completion in eternity.

May the Lord let our striving for His Kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear and may the universe be alive with the Spirit and our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed! Amen!! Good morning, and have a wonderful weekend!!!