Mt 13:36-43
Then he sent the crowds away and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Jesus answered them, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed are the people of the kingdom; the weeds are those who follow the evil one. The enemy who sows the weeds is the devil; the harvest is the end of time, and the workers are the angels.
Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom all that is scandalous and all who do evil. And these will be thrown into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the just will shine, like the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. If you have ears, then hear.
REFLECTION
One notable thing about today’s feast is that it celebrates a couple. Unfortunately, no other couple is thus celebrated during the liturgical year. And this couple was canonized only by popular acclamation, not by a formal canonical process. We are still waiting for our leaders to canonize couples as couples, and that is a real shame. Fortunately, two couples have been beatified in recent years, so we are beginning to acknowledge in practical and official terms that the sacrament of matrimony is indeed geared at helping a couple sanctify each other on their common journey to God.
Another notable thing about this feast is that the saints being celebrated are characterized as parents. Not martyrs, confessors, virgins, doctors, bishops, apostles, hermits or popes—just parents. And why not? Parents have the task of forming and educating their children. Now forming a human person is the greatest and noblest task on earth. Why? Because a person lasts forever and will outlast the galaxies. Because a person is in the image and likeness of God. Helping someone become a person (either a spouse or a child) is the greatest thing next to being God.
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 921-3984 • 922-00-11 • 921-28-59 Fax: (02) 921-6205, 927-7429
Bookstore: (02) 924-6835
Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.com / cci@claret.org
Website: www.claretianph.com
