Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

In today’s Gospel, we have three parables proposed to the crowds by Jesus. The first is the parable of the weeds in the field, the second is the parable of the mustard seed, and the third is the parable of the yeast. Jesus explains to his disciples the parable of the weeds in the field and says that the Son of Man sows the good seed, and the enemy, the devil, sows the weeds, and the harvest is the end of the age. We are living in the time of growth now, until the final harvest by the angels begins. Through our life in Christ, we are sown as good seed and will produce abundant fruit through divine grace. As we progress in our faith journey into Christ’s love, we will be confronted with the enemy, the devil, who will try to sow bad seed in our lives, hoping to choke us out and stunt our growth. As we see the weeds around us, we must not look at them but rather look at our sun, the light of Christ, so that we will continue our growth. Then will be counted with the righteous that will shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father.

The following two parables give us courage to live this life and to resist the enemy. We can at times think that we are too small or not strong enough, but the parable of the mustard seed reminds us that our small faith, if cultivated, watered, and nourished by the light of the Sun, can grow into something great. Our faith can become the yeast that, when mixed into the flour of those we encounter, can leaven them and help them rise into the light of Christ. And when we feel that our words are lacking and we fear we cannot fulfill our calling, we remember that we are not alone. For Christ has sent us the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with us. For Saint Paul says in our second reading that, “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.”

So, let us take courage and keep our eyes fixed on the Sun that gives life, Christ our Lord, and the desire of our hearts. Let us strive to be like the mustard seed that will grow into something great and the yeast that leavens the whole batch.

Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB