• GOSPEL REFLECTION

    16th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Cycle “A”)
    July 20, 2008


    What can I do to counter the “enemy” sowing “weeds” in my own field? (Matthew 13:24-30)  

    Many in the Church have tried to sugarcoat the Toughness of the Gospel; the demands that the Gospel makes for our lives. We seldom hear of the justice of God that sends the evils doers to the just reward in Hell. Jesus, and likewise the Apostle Paul were straight forward in  teaching the mercy of God, his forgiveness, the hope of eternal life with the Holy God full of Joy forever; and on the other hand, they were not timid in reminding the World of what awaits those that reject the only way to God, Jesus Christ. Did not our Lord himself tell us that many on the Day of Judgment that Cry Lord Lord, will not enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those that Do the Works of my Father.  

    These are difficult times for ourselves and our children; our Christian values are under serious attack every single day – not just in secret at night, but in broad daylight!  The “weeds” are trying to choke out the “wheat” and convert everything to a weed patch.  Our society is clearly slipping farther and farther away from “the Way” of the Lord; in fact, we permit our politicians to ignore God completely.  We are permitting our political system to attack the family structure (God’s “domestic family” consists of man, woman, and children, not homosexual relationships).  Many are returning to pagan Epicurean principles, by killing unborn babies to preserve their alleged “right” to have unlimited sensual pleasures.  Some people even think they are still “Christian” by fighting for abortion rights, mercy killing, and other heinous crimes against humanity and against God.  

    Make no mistake, this is a war for souls, not just a little skirmish!  It calls for an all out effort by you to pass on and defend God-given standards of morality.  Jesus has shown us “the Way” to live, and empowered his mission to the Apostles, who passed on the same mission to the Bishops.  By our baptism and confirmation, we too are called to participate in this same mission, remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Church.  Without this core faithfulness to God – our recognition that we depend upon him – no progress can be made.  Not only the voting booth is involved; it really begins with frequent prayer every single day.  

    If you are making a serious effort to do something, then you can also draw on the strength mentioned in the Second Reading today (Romans 8:26-27): our God will not let us down!  We can be patient, even when surrounded with weeds, because the Holy Spirit intercedes for us exactly as God himself wills!  Consider this: if you remain silent, and misuse not only the voting booth but daily opportunities in the workplace and family, you have indeed become a “weed.”  Today’s gospel tells you the destiny of weeds.  

    Each one of us has the weeds of sin mixed with our good wheat; because of that, the Church constantly calls us to the path of penance and renewal (CCC #827).  Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Church has the power to free us from the prison of the weed-patch, if we ask humbly.  


Love Always in Christ,

Deacon Joe Pasquella

Diocese of Buffalo, NY

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