Greetings on this the Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 7:1-11; Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a, 11; Mt 13:24-30
False Hope
- [They think] “We are safe; we can commit all these abominations again”?
- [The Lord replies] Has this house which bears my name become in your eyes a den of thieves? I too see what is being done, says the LORD.
Summary
A favorite hymnal is Table of Plenty: ‘Where saints and sinners are friends’.
It’s not exactly what is proposed by Jeremiah where some come to the Table of Plenty thinking they have security to commit abominations. What abominations does he speak of?
- Steal and murder
- Commit adultery and perjury
- Burn incense to Baal
and yet come to stand before me in this house which bears my name, and say: “We are safe; we can commit all these abominations again”?
Church is not a Get out of Jail Free card! It’s a way to avoid jail.
Reflection
When asked by the slaves (regarding the weeds among the wheat), Do you want us to go and pull them up?’, the master says No. Let them grow together.
Why?
- To prevent damage to the wheat.
- To offer the opportunity to transform from weed to wheat.
Personal Reflection
Nobody I know has an exclusive understanding or perfect application of holiness. Not in my proximity. We all struggle from being weed and wheat, sometimes alternating! Rather than judge, let us grow together as we are all Sinners and Saints.
Sacred Readings
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072724.cfm
First Reading
The following message came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
- Reform your ways and your deeds
- Put not your trust in the deceitful words
- No longer shed innocent blood
Responsorial
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
Gospel Acclamation
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
Gospel
Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.
- When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
- His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
- Let them grow together until harvest
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry