17th Week in Ordinary Time : Tuesday 27th July 2021

The explanation of the Parable of the weeds can be divided into two sections. In first verses 37-39, there are the eschatological equivalents for the seven elements in the Parable. They are:

1. i) Sower of the seeds is Son of man;
2. ii) the good seeds are subjects of the Kingdom;

iii) the field is the world;

1. iv) the enemy is the evil one;
2. v) the darnel are the subjects of the evil one

In the other verses 40-43, we see a dynamic presentation of the last judgment and the separation of the just from the evil one.

1. vi) The harvest is the end of the world with its judgment;

vii) the reapers are the angels.

For us, we are called to adhere to Jesus’ warning against the evil one, which comes in the form of forces that exist today, such as racism, religious intolerance, materialism, consumerism and marginalisation.

We are challenged to face such conflicts and to be able to distinguish between good and evil.

This calls for discernment of the Spirits, which depends on our relationship with God in our present realities and to remain faithful to God’s invitations to respond with His mercy, compassion and love.

Like Moses in the first reading, our regular encounters with God in the form of our prayer time is what we need to remain steadfast to God’s commandments.

Lord, help us to be God’s witnesses of love wherever we are.