July 20, 2013: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Be a good example with your words and actions.

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying:
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said,
‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’
He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’
His slaves said to him,
‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; 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.”’” (Matthew 13:24-30)

Reflection:

The parable of the wheat and weeds reminds me of a story a friend told me about her son. She was concerned because her son was friends with someone she thought was not a good choice. In a serious conversation with her son about this, he said to her, “But, Mom, did you ever think how I can be good for him?”

Action:

Be a good example with your words and actions.

Guest Reflection Writers

Teresa and Jill Kasten, Sister Rebecca Keller’s sister and niece, wrote today’s Gospel Reflection as guest authors.

Teresa is an elementary education teacher, and her daughter, Jill, has a degree in early childhood education.