Daily Mass Reflections - 7/31
“A tree falls the way it leans” ~ Dr. Seuss
We return to the rich symbolism of the pastures, fields and wheat crops yet again in today’s Readings, affording us the opportunity to reflect upon that which we’ve sewn (and subsequently reaped) and to revisit the parable of the “weeds in the field” as it has become known, a lesson which Jesus introduced just a few days ago in the Book of Matthew (Chapter 13 to be precise).
In our first stop (Jeremiah 14:17-22) we’re reminded of the consequences associated with buying into the con-job and empty promises of the devil, consequences not only brought upon ourselves, but upon those we love the most, our ancestors and family. As you read the words of “the weeping prophet”, he bemoans the fact that God has abandoned his people when in fact the exact opposite has transpired.
Free will run amok is once again on display.
Shifting to the Gospel (Matthew 13:36-43) Jesus explains in granular detail the parable of the weeds to an inquisitive disciple. He delves into the symbolism of this lesson in painstaking fashion but of equal importance is the harsh dose of tough love he administers in the form of, and here’s that word again, the consequences:
“Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire” Jesus says, “so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his Kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
There’s an old English Proverb which states “a guilty conscience needs no accuser.” Or to be more straight forward, “the truth is written on our hearts.”
In a world that is becoming overgrown by weeds, we must use every tool at our Sacramental disposal to avoid becoming one ourselves.
Or face the consequences.
