Reflection for Saturday, July 28, 2018: 16th Week of Ordinary Time.
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Authors
Ryan, Steve, Rev.
Issue Date
2018-07-28
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Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
According to the classic definition, a weed is a plant out of place.|Here in the great North American breadbasket we see considerable advertising for products to help farmers rid their fields of nasty water- and nutrient-guzzling weeds. Meanwhile, the rest of us are reminded not to forget our lawns. A local seed and sod company trumpets its "Idiot-proof lawn program . . . . Even your husband can do it! Eliminates crab grass, fox tail, goose grass, etc., etc."|Today's gospel confirms that undesirable plants have been bedeviling folks for ages.|But the point of the parable lies elsewhere. Christ is not talking cultivation or landscaping. He's talking about the kingdom of God: Who has a place in it. And who decides.|There are those in every time and place who will survey the Church and see the need for a vigorous purge. They will look around and say, "This sure would be a better Church without him. Or her. Or them."|The scribes and Pharisees sniff at the company Christ keeps. "He eats with sinners [a euphemism for sex workers] and tax collectors" (Luke 15:1-2). They go so far as to suggest that, if this fellow from Nazareth were a true prophet, he would find better folks to hang with (Luke 7:38ff.).|Yet Jesus answers quite pointedly: "The tax collectors and sinners enter into the kingdom of God before you" (Matthew 21: 31). Why? Because their hearts are ready.|The Pharisees looked at the sinners and tax collectors and saw weeds.|Christ looked at them and saw wheat.
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University Ministry, Creighton University.
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These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
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Lectionary Number: 400